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Published: June 13th 2015
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It's Thursday today so, according to our cruise itinerary, we must be in Kavala! Once again we were oblivious to a smooth night's sailing during which we travelled 157 nautical miles at an average speed of 12 knots. By the time we got ourselves out of bed the Thomson Spirit was at her berth!
Kavala is built on the site of the ancient Roman city of Neopolis. After breakfast we left the ship and walked up to the Byzantine fortress that towers over the 'old town' on the Panagia Peninsula. We strolled up the narrow, twisted streets of this old section of the city passing pastel painted houses and the Halil Bey complex on our way. Once a mosque, the Halil Bey complex has been repurposed as an art gallery.
After enjoying the amazing 360 degree views from the castle tower and exploring the other ancient buildings within the castle complex we had drinks at the conveniently located cafe at the top of the hill. Thus fortified, we headed back down the hill to 'Kamares'. Meaning arches, this is the local name for the well-preserved section of aqueduct at the bottom of the hill.
After acquainting ourselves with
Kavala's historical monuments we went for a walk around the harbour looking for a cafe where we could have another drink and pick up some wi-fi access just to check our emails. We sat outside at one cafe that had lovely, soft lounge seats and waited to be served ... and waited ... and waited. OK, no-one's going to serve us we'll take out business to another one of the dozens of cafes along the waterfront!! Just a couple of doors along they were happy to take our business and provide us with their wi-fi code.
One beer, one iced coffee and a whole lot of junk emails later we walked all the way back around the harbour and onto the ship. On our way we purchased some cards because Albert said that he fancied a game of cards tonight and we didn't really decide who would buy the cards before we headed out for the day. We had to buy cards because Albert wouldn't even let Kath pack a deck of cards he was so disgruntled after losing cards at home in Stalybridge.
The timing of our return to the ship was impeccable as the oppressive afternoon
deteriorated into a late afternoon thunderstorm which we were able to watch from the deck of the Thomson Spirit rather than be caught in it! It barely rained where we were berthed, but the lightening was flashing all around the hills behind Kavala and we could certainly hear the thunder.
We pigged out again in the Compass Rose Dining Room before heading to tonight's show in the Broadway Show Lounge. Tonight we listened to Stevie Jay performing Neil Diamond and Drifter's classics which was pretty good ... as long as you like Neil Diamond and The Drifters, I guess?!
After the show we retired to the games room to play cards. Hallelujah, Albert won 'Jo', but only narrowly. If I had saved only five point cards I think the pot might have been mine. Kath won 'Blobs' very convincingly so it was a good night for the English and not too good at all for the Aussies.
Steps for the day 13,692 (9.32 kms)
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Caroline Brunner
non-member comment
Hi Steven 'siglets'
I am full of envy, your cruise is taking you to some beautiful places in the Aegean. Of course all accolades to the photographer/s; great job. Love the photo of Steven's little family; I was wondering what had happened to him [lol]. Waiting eagerly for the next phase of this wonderful adventure. Caroline