SIMPLY SPEAKING SEDONA IS AWESOME!

What a beautiful day for a drive - got an early start around 8:00 and off we were to Sedona. The scenery changed from dry desert and cactus - to green scrub bushes and red dirt. Then we turned the corner and ....

it simply took my breath away. It is like nothing I have seen anywhere before. It was so colourful and lovely. The red rocks are stunning and the landscape is unforgetable.

We stopped at a few spots to take pictures and then we went for lunch in a place that I can neither spell nor pronounce. Had deep fried pickles - Arizona style. They were good and certainly there was some jalapeno in there somewhere. There were lots of stores to wander around in and I did my best to leave a little money to say I had been in Sedona. There were some lovely local artists and artisans whose work was distributed and available in the local shops. It was a very wonderful time spent there. As we were leaving, there was this most beautiful house and a camera shot or two in between the wrought iron rungs of the magnificent fence was stunning. Here is a peek at part of the garden...

and yes that is the most beautiful lawn. I don't even want to think what his water bill must be - there were gladiolas and other plants that were familiar to me from the northwest - certainly a beautiful oasis in this baren, albeit beautiful part of the world. So hope you are all well...I am busy and happy and having a wonderful time. Oh and as for the movie last night....dinner and drinks in a reclining seat and popcorn all served to your seat.....and then a blanket and pillow and further reclining? All true and it was a very unique experience and the movie we saw was People Like Us and it was really good - so a 10 out of 10. See you soon!

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU....

This morning when I opened the blind....life was happening right outside the window! How amazing this is. I had to stand there and take pics while the oportunity was at hand. At first I saw a little bunny and then there was some movement over nearer the fence - a little gecko and then some bigger movement and it was a lizardy thing. When the two were facing each other, the larger one put on quite a show. Out of my bedroom at home, the only movement I see is the traffic on 160th - so this is quite a treat. I watched them for a while until they made there way though a drainage hole at the bottom of the adobe wall. Wow - I don't think I would get anything done if I lived here. You don't even have to leave the yard - there is so much going on.

Today, the pool will come in handy - I think that the temp will rise above 100. We don't have a lot planned today - we are picking up a quilt that Sharon had layered and quilted - that will be fun to visit a fellow quilter. Then a movie tonight in a theatre where you have you dinner and wine delivered to your seat and when you have finished your repast, they deliver a blanket, pillow and popcorn to your totally recling seat for the rest of the movie - I will tell you more about that experience tomorrow!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Today was another great day. We had a relaxing start and then it was grocery shopping. Of course it is always more interesting to shop away from home. Today was raining and cloudy - but definitely not cold. It was quite nice all day in the low 80's - yes back to Farenheit in the USA. Now at 9:00 at night it is 79 degrees outside and sooooo pleasant to sit and not a bug in sight - even better.

There is a plethora of birds here. The little quail are the most fun. Their little families are getting bigger - not the real babies that are fun to see, but still these families scurry around. They are capable of flying up to the top of the fence and then to flutter down, but you seldom see them other than on the ground and they are quite shy. Thanks to the amazing zoom on my new little camera, I was able to get a few good shots

The cactus are lovely too. It seems that I missed the desert in bloom, but there is still lots of colour. Amid the brown, tan, rust and ecru desert colours there is still beauty and colour. Can't wander into the desert as there are rattle snakes, spiders and scorpions about. So I take the pics I can wherever I see something that interests me.

Even out the bedroom window there is a lovely scene that greets me when I raise the shade. This is a lovely place. So with an afternoon of clothes shopping and a BBQ dinner - I am now ready to settle in to watch a bit of TV before off to bed - another adventure awaits tomorrow! Ciao for now!

BRAND NEW ADVENTURE IN ARIZONA

What a great way to start summer - a holiday. I am down in Scottsdale, Arizona for a week and although a hot time of the year to be here, I know it will be a a great visit. The temperature today is a cool 98 degrees and I say cool, cause it is cool by Arizona standards, but as for Vancouver? It is so wonderful and warm. I was on the same plane as my friends, Mike and Sharon, so we arrived here about 5:00 in the afternoon. We did go out for dinner and now we are planning some adventures this week. So far Sedona, shopping, DBack Baseball game, shopping, movie in a theatre where you have dinner, drink wine and then they give you a blanket and pillow and you watch the movie.....oh and did I mention shopping? There is a beautiful full moon tonight.

I haven't much to add yet, so I will leave you with this beautiful image taken in their backyard at 9:35 (yes it gets dark earlier in the evening here - farther south. Wanted to experiment with a night shot from my new Sony Camera - so far so good I say! Talk to you tomorrow!

LAST ADVENTURE ON SANTORINI

Today we met our bus to go on our excursion over to the volcano, hot springs and then to Thirassia and our donkey ride. Our first stop was the volcanic island of Nea Kameni. Upon our arrival, I made the decision not to attempt the climb to the crater. It was a very hot day, uneven path and strenuous climb that would last about 35 minutes with no shade. Not for me. Tina went and took my camera – when she got back 1½ hours later … she was so mad. She said there was nothing to see (I guess I made the right decision – well right for me anyway). She said there was a pipe sticking out of the ground that was some sort of a vent and that was all.

Next – on to Palaia Kameni – the hot springs – Since I had all that time on the boat, I had changed into my bathing suit and was already for a dip. The boat stopped and people started leaping off it into the frigid (cool) water of the Aegean and then swim over to the shallow hot springs area. Poop! I wasn’t going to do that either. So I put my clothes back on again and waited for the boat to start off for Thirassia. The people that had made the small swim and into the hot springs were slightly orange when they returned. Whatever minerals that were in the hot springs covered the suits and bodies of all who entered and there was nowhere to shower off.

Ok we departed for Thirassia and when we threw out the lines, all that was on the shore were a few restaurants. The top of the cliff where the ghost town of a city remains was accessible by donkey only 1 way and when you got up to the top…you just had to walk down again as there was nothing to see! We decided not to go up and that was our day nothing turned out quite as we had expected. However, we did have a nice boat ride.

On our way back to the port – as we were sailing back, a tragedy occurred in Oia. The donkey/pedestrian path from the water up to the cliffside town had a landslide. One man was killed and 4 others were injured. Our little boat passed close by and we could still see part of the slide happening and people on the slide area. The unfortunate tourists were on the tour boat that was about 10 minutes ahead of ours. Some of the people on our boat were supposed to do that ride/walk, but now the area is closed as the slide has destroyed a big part of it. So we all went back to port to awaiting buses and that concluded our outing. I took some pictures, but was not aware of exactly what had happened until we were docked.

So now we will be at the hotel for a restful day and then our homeward journey starts tomorrow. It begins with a 5 hour ferry ride getting into Athens around 11:00 p.m….then a short sleep at the hotel when we will be picked up at 4:30 a.m. to get to the airport for our 2.5 hour flight to Frankfurt. After a 5 hour layover in Frankfurt….we will then depart for our 10 hour flight to Vancouver. So there will be no envying me this part of the journey…but it is necessary as to get home. Just hope the new volcano in Iceland does not interfere with these final travel plans.

I am looking forward to coming home and it feels good to say….see you soon!

EXPLORING SANTORINI WITH THE GREEN HORNET

Today we decided to follow different roads to see where they would take us and they took us to some interesting places. Lots of opportunities for picture taking. So rather than put up a bunch of words, I am going to put up some lovely photos for you.

Here is one of the sunsets that we see from the balcony (tonight’s sunset was spectacular).





These are the pastel houses on Santorini – that we found quite by accident on our journey today.



These are some homes that have been made from the old windmills – again thanks to having the rental car to go exploring.



Here is a view from Oia looking down the caldera to the left…







and to the right.

So tomorrow we are having our last excursion before getting ready to come home. We will be going to the volcano and hot springs...and then to the island of Thirassia - places we can see from the hotel - and we will be riding donkeys! So stay tuned for this one last adventure and I hope to have something intersting to tell you.

SANTORINI DAY 3

The hotel here is absolutely gorgeous – it is built on the side of the caldera in the town of Imerovigli that overlooks the island of Thirassia and the town of Oia. To our left is the volcanic island, Nea Kameni – needless to say the population there is 0. The views from our balcony are spectacular – but omg the stairs are nasty. There are actually 200 stairs from the reception desk up to street level. On the way, there are 2 elevators that probably cut out about 60 stairs – if that – but one hardly notices. The only good thing about the stairs is that if we make it up to street level in the morning…and then we are out and about in the sun touring around, the stairs are all down when we get back to the hotel.

When we first arrived, they did not have the notation of twin beds for our reservation, so they put a cot in for the first night and then yesterday, we were shown to our new room. Turned out to be a suite with two bedrooms, a living room, 1½ bathrooms and its own hot tub. So we are very comfortable now….and yes life is so tough!

We rented a car for 3 days to help us get around a little easier. We were able to get from one end of the island to the other. There are many places to stop along the way and enjoy the scenic views and the typical blue and white that Santorini is noted for. When you drive in Greece, you have to be very cognizant of the fact that pedestrians walk out in front of vehicles, cars cut corners, motor bikes turn on the inside left of you, streets are often too narrow for two cars to pass (sometimes there is backing up involved) and drivers are aggressive in general.

Saw the best graffiti ever….it was collections of white stones placed on black volcanic earth. It looked so nice – we didn’t add to the collection, just stopped the car for a minute to get a picture. It was on the way to Oia (pronounced eeya). It was a beautiful drive right to the end of the island. This is the place that people go to watch the sun set. From our hotel in Imerovigli, we see the fabulous sight right off the balcony, so haven’t seen the need to drive there.

THE LAST SWIPE

Even though yesterday’s luggage moving day was exhausting, we were so glad we had done that. Today all we had to do was go down to the gangway early and then we took our hand luggage off with us. We swiped our cruise card one last time and away we went with our possessions like two Bedouins into the early morning light. Leaving the ship early and in a hurrying ensured that we would make the 7:30 sailing of our ferry to Santorini. As it was, the port at Piraeus is huge and we actually had to take a taxi from Gate 11 around to Gate 8 and then we were safely aboard the ferry for the 5 hour ride to Santorini with 45 minutes to spare. Other than lengthy, there was nothing outstanding about the ferry ride. We made a few stops at other islands - Paros, Naxos and Ios – then it was Santorini – the last stop.

We got to our hotel about 1:00 and it was good to have a place to be for the last leg of our journey. The reception desk at our hotel is down about 65 stairs from a small gate on the street. Then I know I counted 315 to get up to our room and then a further 578 to get back up to the street. (actually only 200 altogether) The hotel is on a cliff and though the view is spectacular…it is tiring getting back up to street level again. So we took our time to settle in and then we went into town for a bit. I’m sure there are still more items to buy before we leave for home!! It was cool today and there were times that the sweatshirt jacket came out. We wandered around town for a while, had dinner and then came back to the hotel – we are a ways out of town, but the public bus ride is E1.60 and the taxi is E5.00. So we will take transit as often as possible. The plan for tomorrow is get up have breakfast - that’s the best plan we have had for days!! At some point we need to buy another piece of luggage – (after researching, that is our best and cheapest option) but we have several days to figure all that out. We are able to be in touch more frequently now…..as there is free internet….but the days might finally be quieter and less hectic. Either way, you can be sure you will read about it here!

SANTORINI

We had our first glimpse of Santorini when the ship made its final port of call yesterday. We had a drive around the island that gave us an idea of the layout when we stay here for 6 nights. We were able to get our very heavy luggage off and take it to the hotel for safekeeping. This would make our disembarkation so much easier and enable us to catch the very early ferry from Athens. Unfortunately no one told us about all the stairs just to get onto the funicular – thank goodness some kind young men from Germany came to our rescue and we were able to get on and ride to the top of the island. Then after a short, but difficult walk on cobblestones….we were able to get a taxi to take us to the hotel. When we arrived at the hotel, there were several stairs – but at least down. However, the transfer of these heavy pieces of luggage was exhausting. We will explore options how to get our “trinkets” (feels more like a suitcase full of boulders) home. To be considered are mailing….purchasing another suitcase and paying for an extra bag on the airline….paying for an overweight bag….an upgrade to business class to fly home…. One thing we know for sure – we still have to shop in Santorini!!!

With our luggage safely stored at the hotel, we rode the funicular down and had a well earned beer at the bottom before boarding the tender to take us back to the ship. Beer in this little restaurant cost twice as much as it should have – but quenched our thirst and then it was back on the ship for our last evening with our new friends.

We said our goodbyes to Afghanistan/Toronto, Australia, Boston, California,
England, New Zealand …and of course all y’all Southerners. We said goodbye to the crew that were special and then an early bed for to get ready for our early disembarkation tomorrow.

EGYPT Day 2

Today was another early start and then we were on our way for a breakfast cruise up and down part of the Nile. (the longest river in the world) The part that we cruised on was not very long and we just kept turning around and repeating the voyage until we had finished our breakfast and taken pictures – about 1½ hours. It was very nice. We once again boarded our bus and this time we set off for the Step Pyramid. That was the very first pyramid before the 4 straight sided ones that we know. Can’t imagine what it was like during the building of these. The plan, the numbers of people, cutting the stones, carrying them for miles and finally the placement of them! Our tour guide had a degree in Egyptology and was presently studying for her master’s degree. She gives lectures in North America and soon she will be lecturing in Virginia and in Montreal. She was so interesting to listen to and the knowledge that she could recite without hesitation when people asked questions, was extraordinary. She also explained about the political unrest in the country – because people asked and also because there was a big demonstration right outside our hotel last night. The police actually fired “sound bullets” to disperse the crowds. I didn’t rush to the window with all the sirens wailing – people shouting and finally the gunshots. (that’s what all the ruckus was that I mentioned in the previous post). She explained that this has become a way of life and these times are not frightening to her because the police and the army are very much in control – except for the nasty traffic. She expects that there will be much unrest right up until the election in September – their first democratic election ever!

After the step pyramid – we then made our way to Giza to see the pyramid of Cheops. Last night, we had a sound and light show here, but no time to see the pyramids in the daylight – so today was the day. The vendors around the sights are annoying to say the least. They are constantly in your face yelling one dollar one dollar. They try to put things in your hand saying it’s a gift and then tell you to give them money. We were warned not to take anything and just keep saying no – so I walked around the pyramids with my hands in the air saying “No thank you” and not making eye contact! However, I did manage to buy a few souvenirs and I RODE ON A CAMEL! Our tour guide, Dina, introduced us to a boy whom she said would be fair $3.00 US and not try to take advantage of us. So first, up went Tina and then I had my turn – thank God that’s over with! I had to face some pretty considerable fears doing that one. I did get up – the camel stood up and walked in a circle and then the camel was down on his knees and I was back on terra firma once again. Don’t ever want to do that again – it’s officially scratched off the bucket list – I’m not sure it was on there to begin with!

The pyramids are so immense – the base of the largest one is 13 acres. All the angles and degrees are so accurate – the precise engineering is difficult to understand today – let alone 4,000 years ago. Hard to be there and not be totally overwhelmed – and then some idiot camel driver or a vendor gets in front of you as you are trying to get a picture saying one dollar – one dollar – where you from? (Brian – you didn’t tell me about this….) Interesting note – carry your own toilet paper in Egypt or ….one dollar one dollar for a very few small squares – we were warned so we carried our own with us!

On to see the Sphinx – quite large indeed – and yep – his nose is gone! Originally it was carved out of one piece of sold rock. They think it is older than the pyramids and that is was originally a complete lion and then some self absorbed ruler thought that the head should reflect his likeness – and as the head was a different piece of stone, this seems to substantiate this belief. What happened to the original head? She told us, but that is one thing I will look up when I get home. There was so much information – it was difficult to remember everything. Since it was sandstone and not marble, we could very likely been walking on what remains of the destroyed head.

So then to lunch and then a race back to the ship so that we could get on board and continue our journey to Santorini. One other thing that was interesting along our drive was the pigeon houses that were everywhere – hard to get a photo as the bus was moving quite quickly, but I did my best. Now I am finished writing for now. I sometimes think my blogs are a bit long winded – but what we have seen and done cannot be said in just a few words – and heck – you can always just enjoy the pictures. I am missing home quite a bit just now and I think my writing helps me to be closer to you. See you soon!

OVERLAND IN EGYPT - Day 1

We got on our bus at 7:30 am and then started on our trip to Cairo with lights flashing and horns honking (our police/security escort). We stopped first at Citadel of Salah El Din on the highest hill in Cairo. We took pictures inside the Mohammad Ali Mosque and then wandered outside to look at the beautiful panoramic views of downtown Cairo. The mosque itself was not overly impressive – but I’m sure holds great meaning to the locals who still pray there. While enjoying the view, I had my first misty glimpse of the pyramids.I must say I felt very excited. The Egyptian fellow who pointed them out to me then asked for a tip. Everyone here has his hand out! With a 19% unemployment I guess this is to be expected.

Our next stop was at the Museum of Antiquities. This museum is only half a block from the square where millions of people were demonstrating only a few short months ago. Fortunately, this 100+ year old museum was not harmed during the demonstrations and although people did break into it, only a few items were taken. All but three pieces have been recovered. Concerned citizens formed a human chain around the most priceless objects in the museum and most likely saved it for being pillaged. The golden objects of the Tutankamen exhibit remained untouched. I was fortunate enough to see this exhibit when is made a world tour in 1970. I saw some objects at Expo 86 – but now to see the exhibit in its home is very special and something I never expected to see. I find the whole experience here rather surreal.

The next stop was to drop our things off at the hotel and then get ready for our Light and Sound Show at the pyramids. It was quite fantastic. With the voice of Omar Sharif and I can’t remember the other one telling the story of Cheops and other family members. It was a beautiful way to be introduced to the pyramids. Tomorrow we get to go back there and see them in the daylight.

Cairo is very noisy, crowded and filthy. As I sit here writing tonight, sirens have been sounding constantly for the last 20 minutes or so. The traffic is unbelievable – You see everything on the streets from cars criss crossing and honking, buses pushing their way through, donkeys pulling carts, people pushing carts, people riding horses or donkeys, people jay walking everywhere, motorcycles with up to 4 people on them and of course no helmets, people trying to sell stuff, - (oh the sirens finally stopped – but the horn honking hasn’t). I have yet to see a car that doesn’t have scrapes down each side. The white lines on the road are only a suggestion – and other than that it is every driver, person or animal for himself! At 10:00 at night – every 5th vehicle on the road has no lights on it – or it is a horse, donkey, bicycle etc. Enough about the traffic. As for the dirty streets – that is a shame. Garbage is everywhere. I saw a shopkeeper sweeping out his store and he just swept the plastic garbage onto the road. It is quite bizaare.

HAIFA

Today we didn’t have a tour booked for Haifa and it is their Sabbath – so no shopping near the port today. Four of us hired a cab to take us to the Druze Village and a driving tour around Haifa. This is the 3rd time I have tried such an impromptu experience in a foreign country and I have yet to be disappointed. I get an idea from books, websites or cruise staff about doing this and if I feel safe and confident to do so, I just go ahead. I would never go alone, but these shared adventures have really been wonderful! Our cab driver proved to be an excellent tour guide and expert bargainer in changing quickly from Shekels to US$ and even Euro. Plus he would sometimes get us $1 or $2 less than we might have paid ordinarily.

Our first stop was the village where shopped around for “stuff” for about 2 hours and we even stopped for lunch at a small local restaurant. Grandma was making these rather large dough sheets and then there was a choice of humus or goat cheese that was spread over it – then lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes and start munching. That and a local Israeli beer and it was all good! Nope – it was delicious! One of the ladies that was with us had never eaten off the ship before. She was afraid with all the warnings – but I think she was pleasantly surprised and it is always good to try something different. And really, the flat dough would be fine, the goat cheese – fine, the bottled beer – fine – the fresh veggies – maybe a problem, but still worth trying!

Our next stop was a panorama view of the city of Haifa – it was absolutely glorious and the highlight was looking down on the B’hai temple and the beautiful gardens there. We only looked down at it, but it was a lovely sight indeed. This was a terrific opportunity for us to take some photos and just enjoy.
Next we drove around and had a good look at the city and for the last stop, we went to a beach on the Mediterranean Sea. Now – here is the test for today – all those who knew there was good surfing on the Mediterranean Sea put your hands up. Well, I sure didn’t know.

Too soon our time had ended – and when we got back to the ship – 4.5 hours had passed by! It was a great way to spend a day in port with no real plans!

MASADA AND THE DEAD SEA

Today was an early start to the day to get on our 11 hour tour that began in Ashdod. We met our tour guide and away we went. On the drive to Masada we saw many Bedouin camps with their goat herds. These camps are not pretty like the ones in the movies with flowing tent, sumptuous meals and dancing girls. These are made of scrap metal, boards and plywood, tarps and whatever else can be found. They are constructed on the most barren land with lots of garbage around. When they decide to move camp, they leave a huge mess and start new somewhere else. The Bedouins leave lots of plastics that continue to roll around on the highways and in the small green fields that intersperse the sand and rock here and there. There are more than 100,000 Bedouins of which the children do not attend school. Give those facts and their numbers, it doesn’t seem possible that this society will end anytime soon. (well at least not until December 2012 – we all know what happens then! …. Refer to blog from Cave of the Revelations)

So onto Masada – we had our first look at the Dead Sea from the bus during this drive. The colours rival those of Lake Louise in Banff….but I digress. We traveled from 400 meters below sea level to sea level (a mountain) to walk in Masada. The story is too long to relate here, but it is a very amazing archeological sight that covered several centuries. In short, the first fortress was built in about 50 BC. Herod the Great (who wasn’t very big or tall if you look at his private bath…) used this as his Winter Fortress. The most significant time for Masada was in about 75 AD during the Great Revolt of the Jews against the Romans. Then about 1,000 Jewish rebels made Masada their home. The Siege took place shortly after when 8,000 Roman soldiers were able to finally breach the outer wall of Masada after several months of building a ramp up the only side that was accessible. The 960 members of the rebel community decided to be executed rather than live in shame and humiliation. So 10 lots were drawn for the men to carry out this massacre of people with the last man dispatching his wife and small child and then committing suicide. When the Romans advanced to the fortress, there was no one left and it was a hollow victory. There is your history lesson in brief for today.

We traveled back down from Masada to the Dead Sea. Once again we were at 400 meters below sea level. We stopped at a hotel and were able to change into our bathing suits and then a brief walk down to the shore. The shore is completely encrusted with salt and minerals. The turquoise blue is difficult to describe and even the pictures don’t show you exactly how it looks when you are right there. The water was so incredibly warm. Now those of you who know me and what a wuss I am getting into water….all I can say is this felt like a bath. So you wade out a short way and then sit! You feel so buoyant . It is weird – if you are in water that is only a few feet deep – it is very difficult to get from floating to standing. You kind of have to do this awkward paddle thing to get to where your bum touches the bottom and then stand up. Even the slightest breeze will take your feet from under you and you are floating again – whether or not you want to. Now the nasty thing about the Dead Sea is when your nose is near to the water – it smells so bad and one other thing – it tastes even worse! (don’t ask!)

Oh and my update from the fall – nose is completely healed – other part is glorious shades of yellow, green, black and purple and my knee – well, gravity has pulled the bruising down the front of my leg! But I don’t worry, I just tell people that Tina hits me!

KUSADASI AND EPHESUS

Today we docked in Kusadasi at 8:00 a.m. We met our tour guide at 9:00 and then we were whisked away on our private tour for the day. Our first stop was the home of the Virgin Mary. It was a lovely spot with beautiful gardens and lots of bird songs all around. We were ahead of most of the tours for the day and it was so nice to be here before it got really crowded.

Our next stop was Ephesus. I really had no idea of what Ephesus was….and now that I have walked amongst the ruins of the ancient city and taken so many pictures, I am at a loss as to how to describe it. Our guide told us that we had only seen about 1/10th of what it was like originally. So to see what we saw and imagine so much more is quite difficult. So much of this part of Turkey was heavily influenced by the Greeks and the Romans. This is evidenced in the sculptures, the columns and even Greek mythology had a big role. An interesting fact is that in this primarily Muslim country – Ephesus was the birthplace of Christianity.

We were told about so many historical facts, people, places and dates that I found all of it overwhelming. I remember hearing 2,000 BC and then dates up to and including the 4th century AD. I really want to read more when I get home. I would google some of it now, except that the internet prices are so very high on the ship. I will look in the ship’s library and see if there is something there for me to start on. Speaking of libraries….I am including a picture of the library in Ephesus – amazing how well preserved it is for the age of it. Ephesus even had a water and sewage system and was all designed by a city planner with incredible talent and foresight. The planning, design, architecture and engineering when building Ephesus in those ancient times would be applauded in today’s society. They are still excavating today and uncovering amazing artifacts and structures that will continue to amaze humanity for years to come. (that is unless the Apocalypse gets us all)

We went for lunch in a farmhouse garden not far from the site. We were met by – guess what – A TURKEY in Turkey! Had to take a picture before he ran at me and scared me to death – vicious thing! We had a lovely lunch with some traditional Turkish fare and then – how lucky we were –
A cup of Turkish Mud (oops) I meant Turkish Coffee was offered to us after dessert. As it is an insult to refuse a drink offered by your host, Tina and I very graciously accepted this proffered special cup (thank God it was very tiny) and now we are friends for 40 years with our host.

After lunch we went to a carpet weaving demonstration and a demonstration where they make the Turkish ceramic tiles and painted figurines, plates and bowls. Needless to say, I didn’t buy a Turkish hanging or a carpet, but was so enthralled with their beauty and the sheen of the polished cotton and silk ones. Depending on the direction of the nap, the colour was distinctly lighter or darker and they were truly amazing pieces of art. Sadly my camera battery died before I was able to complete my picture taking for today. I will have to get the remaining photos from Tina to complete my collection for this wonderful foray into Kusadasi.

Our tour ended and we quickly went to the market. I wanted a leather backpack and after seeing one I liked, I asked the salesman how much – it was Euros 130.00. I told him I didn’t have that much to spend on one he then said Euros 110.00. Again I said how lovely it was, but the amount I had to spend on a backpack would only insult him. He asked me how much I was willing to spend and I told him Euros 50.00. I said I am on vacation for two more weeks and just don’t have those kinds of funds available to me to spend on one item. He said – alright – give me Euros 50.00. I was almost too embarrassed to take it for that much …. I said embarrassed – not stupid. I now have a lovely leather backpack!

At sea tomorrow!