Day 4 Today we were supposed to go to Turkey, but it seems that the US State Dept didn’t think it was a good idea….. so we have a day at sea. After a bit a sleep in and a shower and a search for a hair dryer (which for the viewers at home, was found in the desk drawer after I came back from brunch.) This trip is all about pushing myself to do things the me of five years ago wouldn’t. So I have decided to try new foods as well as the other more obvious ground breaking moves. Having ordered a side order of ‘cheese grits’ to accompany my Eggs Benedict, I now have the knowledge to confidently say that ‘cheese grits’ are not to my taste and I will not be ordering ... read more

Day 2, part 2 – Athens, Piraeus Athens airport was easy…. I excitedly got my first passport stamp, EVER! After I went through customs, (actually after I and the rest of the passengers from the flight casually strolled past the two customs guys that waved the entire group through) I walked through the doors, saw a guy who had my name printed on a sheet of a4, he had a trolley and was parked straight out the front. I don’t know how one manages that, but quite frankly, I am still confused about the road rules…… are there any? He drove me the 40kms to Piraeus, past the sad former airport that got superseded when the Olympics came to town. Past the Olympic stadium…. Past lots of empty shops and half built modern apartment buildings. Athens ... read more

Well it’s 4.30 and I’m sitting at departure Gate 11 at Melbourne International waiting for my 6.00pm Emirates flight. The amount of times I have been to this airport, and this is the first time I have walked through those doors that lead to international departures. I was waiting for a big delay but pretty much just went straight through border security, etc. I even remembered to take the lappy out of my carry on bag…. Go me! My travelling companion is Horsey Travels, it’s my third trip with him. He is a bit of a photo bomber. I almost managed to walk past all the duty free shops…. Almost.... read more

Got an email this morning marked important. Carnival Cruises has completely dropped and stop at Turkey for the rest of their season due to advice from the US state dept that it's not safe. (The new ship Carnival Vista is only sailing Europe for another couple of months before it travels to the US, were it's going to be sailing from NYC to the Caribbean). I'm disappointed, but I'm sure it isn't a decision Carnival have made lightly. Originally, we were to sail to Izmir, earlier this year that was altered to Kusadasi, but for now..... it looks like it will be a 'bingo' day. Also, this afternoon I heard about the deadly earthquake in central Italy. These events seem a lot closer to home these days.... read more

Well, three weeks until I leave for what my daughter called my 'Fisher Price my first European adventure'...... it's more like 'my once in a lifetime experience'; but lets face it, every trip away should be that memorable. I got the bags out today, ironed stuff and watched youtube travel tip vids. (thanks Rick Steves and Hey Nadine). I don't think I have ever started packing this early. I looked up the fine print of my flights and , yes, my carry on bag conforms. I have been soaking in wisdom from experienced travellers, many thanks to them.... read more