My Big Fat Greek Cruise: At Sea

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We just returned from our first cruise. We are all tan and tired. It was an Italian line departing from Rome (Costa Victoria) and traveling South through the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. We stopped in Sicily,The Greek Isles of Patmos, Mykonos and Santorini and in Izmir, Turkey. As first time "cruisers" we had a lot to learn, but were pleasantly surprised by the mode of transport. We have discovered that Italy has a different concept of structure (ie.-standing in lines, taking turns, timetables, schedules, etc.....they really just don't do it) and once we made peace with that fact , it was fun. The girls had a wonderful time. We only had one night of "rocky" travel, which left both Abby and I a little woozy. After one good up-chuck, Abby was ready to find some pizza and carry on. We met 2 other North American families, also living abroad. One family from the USA and one from Canada. The Canadians had two little boys,corresponding in ages to our girls, so it was great! We all came home with new friends. It was so nice to spend time with a family going through the same trials and tribulations of such a big move...very therapeutic. (I thought it was so cute how they ended every sentence with, "eh"...loved it!...They insist they do NOT call anyone a "hoser", but I don't believe it.) Hopefully, we will get the opportunity to visit them in Scotland, where they now live. I have posted all of the different ports of call separately, so have a peek!

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Photos

Bella cha-cha's
Bella taking topless dance lessons (we forgot the other half of her swimsuit...."when in Rome", right). How International of her.

napkin hat
The waiters spoiled the girls silly...Our waiter,Elmer, made Bella a "bow" for her hair out of a cloth napkin

Bella's World Tantrum Tour Continues
Bella melts down at sea!

Abigail's talent
Abigail demonstrating her talent of "tongue rolling", in preparation for the Miss America pageant...think she will win?

hot tubbin it
Ab, Bel and our new Canadian friends

Bella and Elmer
Bella dancing to "Lazy Mary" with Elmer the waiter...she is so, so shy, can't you tell?

Ethan the Canuck eats icecream
Bella's buddy, Ethan (or "eefin" as she would say"), only ate ice cream for the 1st 3 days at sea...he is ADORABLE...Bella has good taste!

Cruise Director Barbie
Abigail and her gaggle of followers...

new friends
Nate with Patti and Dave Geikie, eh, and Heather, another American mom living in Basel, Switzerland. Can you tell we were taking advantage of the onboard beverage service?