Greek Islands

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Greek Isles
Chris and I always knew it – but it was confirmed from the moment we stepped on our ship the Louis Cristal – the Purser addressed us as Princesses. This was despite the fact that we looked a bit worse for wear – the trip to the port being a worrisome one that we would not arrive in time. BUT our gorgeous guide Enis ensured a car would be waiting and our driver whisked us to the boat in record time. Within an hour we were unpacked and up at the bar having the first of many cocktails. Everywhere we hear Aussie accents so although it is a Greek line there are many different nationalities on board. All the staff speak excellent English and there is under 1000 people. As we pulled out from Istanbul – the view amazing – and said our farewells to Turkey, we reflected on how much we really enjoyed the trip and the company we had while on it. Maybe we were lucky? Still I wouldn’t hesitate to do another one. But new adventures beckon …..
We had dinner a la carte in the dining room and our waiters were real characters – this set the tone for the next 5 days as we always had the same waiters. Our first day we went to Mykonos – we loved it 3 years ago and still do…..it is unique. We sat and drank (Shirley Valentine style) looking at the sparkling water, people watching and introduced Nobby and Chris to Italian ice-cream – the best! That night we watched the floorshow after dinner – the dancers were very talented but the boys just appreciated their long legs! The next morning we pulled into Patmos – I was happy in the lounge drinking tea and reading (the boat has a great library – I’m in heaven). In the afternoon we sailed to Kusadasi and Brian bought the most beautiful pendant. We went back to the jeweler we saw 3 years ago – and bought a Zultanite. Michelle on the bus tour had alerted me to this rare gem – which is only found in the remote mountains of Anatolia in Turkey. I have been very spoilt this trip – but this pendant is amazing – it changes colour with the light – so its blue during the day and purple at night. Its so rare a lot of jewelers don’t know about it – but Cartier has just got the rights to this sole mine – so I am sure the world will see more of them. My first investment piece (probably the last too).That night we indulged in a bit of dancing on the deck, until Chris took a tumble – too many cocktails – she didn’t feel a thing (until the next day and she had a massage).
Wednesday we pulled into Rhodes and as soon as we got off we were offered a taxi. I don’t know what it was about Costas but we all thought he looked all right (he took off his hat so we could see his honest face). Anyway we drove us around for an hour, pointing things out, explaining and stopping for photos. He recommended a place in the old city for lunch – The Plaka and we were given a free ouzo just for mentioning his name. Lunch was great overlooking the old square. The boys went to see the castle of the Knights of St John. Chris and I were Princesses and went shopping…..
Thursday we saw Crete – Brian went off and had a walk – his father had been there during the war – and I nursed a cold. Poor Nobby has been ill the past week with one too – hard to escape with so many people around. We travelled all day – sun shining, some of us got burnt until we reached Santorini in the late afternoon. We chose the cable car over the donkey. Views are amazing, the tiny town on a cliff top did not disappoint. Unfortunately though the cloud rolled in and we didn’t get the expected sunset shot.
I have to tell you that the amazing photos have all been taken by Brian....I can't take any credit for them and he has enjoyed the blog as much as me.
To everyone who has left messages -A BIG THANK YOU - not only is it heartening to know you are reading the blogs - its great to hear from you. Debbie

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Photos

Debbie in Mykanos
Speakes for itself - Happy

Chris in Mykanos
Also happy.

Boats
And blue water

More boats
And more blue water

Churches
With white walls.

And Windmills
And more white walls

Comments

[pam]

relaxing
enjoy that sun.It has getting colder here.

[kathn&John]

holiday blogs
Thank you for the holiday updates you make everything so interesting Debbie.glad you are having such an interesting holiday,it feels that you have been so close to us.

[sharon]

wow! deb & brian, this is amazing I feel like i'm on holiday with you,and it hasn't me a dime..........

[Jenny B]

Eagerly awaiting next travelogue!
I can't believe it - you are now in Greece - so is Paul!!! You have certainly had some very emotional moments and obviously enjoy the history - as I am - while reading your blog. We didn't talk enough at the race - obviously - or I would have known you were about to embark on the this wonderful trip. May the two of you Keep safe and well. Cheers - think of me when you down the next ouzo - Jenny

[Yvette]

wow
your photos have all been stunning, Brian, simply beautiful. And Debbie, I've enjoyed every blog; I almost felt like I was travwlling with u :) Thanks

[judy]

Santorini
Santorini was one of mine and Garry's favourite Greek islands. I remember we had a wonderful lunch in a restaurant overlooking the beautiful blue waters. I had an amazing Greek salad. So glad you are having such a wonderful time. J xx

[Janet Hedrick]

Hi
Hi Deb and Brian, Well what a great trip you are having wish I was there. Keep the blogs coming I am really enjoying them. love Janet xxxxxxxxx I had tears when I read about you being at Anzac Cove very moving.

[Jill Page]

WOW!!!!
What a clever girl you are... what an amazing blog. I MUST SEE the Zultanite SOOOON!!!!!!!

[Dixie]

Zultanite
WE were just on this same tour. We bought two rings in Kusadasi .. and they seem to be Zultanites. But we did not know what they were and the jeweler told us they were Tanzanites??? However, they look like Zultanites. They are really beautiful.. Mine is light blue in dark or daylight and turns to deepest purple in bright sunlight. The other is pale yellow green in dark and daylight and turns to pink to champagne tan in brightest sunlight. Did you see any of this color when you got your pendant? Thanks. And the trip was amazing. I loved all of it too!