Back to the Med Greece/Turkey in 2013! Complete!

[MinnieDiva]

I picked up one of the DVD's I had held at the library. It was called:More ultimate cruise collection and was produced by Questar (??). It was cheesy and dated, but had nice scenic shots of the areas we'll be visiting. It's going back today, but the other DVD I requested is still listed as "in-process" so who knows how long that will take to get sent out!

 

[MinnieDiva]

I finally had time today to sit down and look at potential lodging and plot them out on the map I got last weekend. Then, I plotted the GoCar site, and BAM! I'm pretty sure I've got it figured out where I'd like to stay. Now, I just need to wait the interminably long time until I can book it. Oh, and I probably should clear it with Sean and my dad......

 

[mindelmouse]

I finally had time today to sit down and look at potential lodging and plot them out on the map I got last weekend. Then, I plotted the GoCar site, and BAM! I'm pretty sure I've got it figured out where I'd like to stay. Now, I just need to wait the interminably long time until I can book it. Oh, and I probably should clear it with Sean and my dad......

Hmmm...thinking that there may be other traveling buddies that might light to know information

 

[MinnieDiva]

Hmmm...thinking that there may be other traveling buddies that might light to know information

LOL! I'm going to figure out pin drops and whatnot on Google Maps....much easier to see a visual...

 

[MinnieDiva]

LOL! I'm going to figure out pin drops and whatnot on Google Maps....much easier to see a visual...

So I tinkered most of the morning (in between ordering my new iPad!!!) and think I've made a reasonable map with lots of hotels, sites, Starbucks (for Jim ), and stuff. If you PM me your email address, I'll be more than happy to give it to you. Hmm...not sure that I need an email address, but PM me all the same and we'll try it that way. I emailed it to Mindy and she said it pulled up a map but that she didn't know what she was looking at. Hmmm....maybe I should email it to DH and see what his pulls up....

 

[mindelmouse]

So I tinkered most of the morning (in between ordering my new iPad!!!) and think I've made a reasonable map with lots of hotels, sites, Starbucks (for Jim ), and stuff. If you PM me your email address, I'll be more than happy to give it to you. Hmm...not sure that I need an email address, but PM me all the same and we'll try it that way. I emailed it to Mindy and she said it pulled up a map but that she didn't know what she was looking at. Hmmm....maybe I should email it to DH and see what his pulls up....

It worked fine...I just didn't know which places I was supposed to focus on ...

 

[Tracerr00]

I finally had time today to sit down and look at potential lodging and plot them out on the map I got last weekend. Then, I plotted the GoCar site, and BAM! I'm pretty sure I've got it figured out where I'd like to stay. Now, I just need to wait the interminably long time until I can book it. Oh, and I probably should clear it with Sean and my dad......

I've been closely following this thread and I'm getting so much out of it! I've just gone and "liked" Rick Steves on FB and I also bought his Mediterranean Cruise Ports book and read it cover to cover! Of course I'll forget it all by the time the cruise rolls around so I'll have to read it again! I'm currently obsessed with pickpocketers as Rick Steves mentions it so much. Please don't google pickpocketers in Europe if you don't want to become paranoid! LOL! And this is what one site says about camera bags (possibly why Rick Steves doesn't carry camera bags) •When you aren’t using your camera, keep it stowed in a plain bag (a camera bag is like carrying a big sign that says to thieves “Yo! Over here. Steal this camera.”).

Anyway - I know exactly where I want to stay in Barcelona as well but now I just have to wait until I can book it. All this waiting is killing me!

 

[MinnieDiva]

I've been closely following this thread and I'm getting so much out of it! I've just gone and "liked" Rick Steves on FB and I also bought his Mediterranean Cruise Ports book and read it cover to cover! Of course I'll forget it all by the time the cruise rolls around so I'll have to read it again! I'm currently obsessed with pickpocketers as Rick Steves mentions it so much. Please don't google pickpocketers in Europe if you don't want to become paranoid! LOL! And this is what one site says about camera bags (possibly why Rick Steves doesn't carry camera bags) •When you aren’t using your camera, keep it stowed in a plain bag (a camera bag is like carrying a big sign that says to thieves “Yo! Over here. Steal this camera.”).

I've seen that quote, and considering how much money I've spent on my gear, I'm not so inclined to agree with that statement. For me photography is a big hobby for me and I get such enjoyment out of looking at my pictures in subsequent years! For me, it's about the right bag. And, as my DH is more paranoid than I am, I have him to watch my back, literally. Most of the time when I use my camera, I have it around my neck and am holding on to it in some way to prevent the lens from impacting with something. So, while someone can try to slice off the bag from Sean's back, there wouldn't be much in it.

Sean was looking thru some sort of adventure magazine (one I'd NEVER even think of opening) and came across this line of bags:

http://www.clikelite.com/

I'm looking at this one:

http://www.clikelite.com/products/jetpack-15”/

BTW, it's far cheaper at Adorama or Amazon. But the best pictures are on the manufacturer's site.



And I agree with googling "pickpocketers in Europe". Horror stories abound!

Anybody else doing any interesting planning? I've been stuck dealing with some work issues and have been distracted. And I still haven't gotten my sewing machine back , tho my computer is behaving.

 

[gailg3horses]

I've also been reading the med cruise ports book by Rick Steves. Enjoying it. I was also able to get his full set of travel dvds (from a work rewards program place of all places). Haven't watched all of them yet but the ones I've seen I most enjoy the scenery and getting an idea of what the area is like.

So I'm wondering, which ports do people plan on using disney excursions for, and where are you planning on going off on your own?

 

[MinnieDiva]

I've also been reading the med cruise ports book by Rick Steves. Enjoying it. I was also able to get his full set of travel dvds (from a work rewards program place of all places). Haven't watched all of them yet but the ones I've seen I most enjoy the scenery and getting an idea of what the area is like.

So I'm wondering, which ports do people plan on using disney excursions for, and where are you planning on going off on your own?

Very cool that you were able to get the DVD's from work! I love looking at all the scenery, too!

Most likely. Villefranche will be done with no tour of any sort, La Spezia and Rome likely with a privately arranged tour, not sure yet about Athens or Turkey. Mykonos looks easy to do on your own. There appears to be a ferry to Delos easily reachable from the port. Malta might be a combo of a tour and on our own. I'd like to see the blue grotto first thing in the am, then do the town after that.

 

[jmpaula]

Hi! we are booked on that trip too! Right now it is just us, my brother and his family and I am hoping my parents wil come too. My 2 DS will be 8 and 11. Do you know the best way to get to Barcelona from Orlando. Thanks,

 

[mindelmouse]

Very cool that you were able to get the DVD's from work! I love looking at all the scenery, too!

Most likely. Villefranche will be done with no tour of any sort, La Spezia and Rome likely with a privately arranged tour, not sure yet about Athens or Turkey. Mykonos looks easy to do on your own. There appears to be a ferry to Delos easily reachable from the port. Malta might be a combo of a tour and on our own. I'd like to see the blue grotto first thing in the am, then do the town after that.

Since Kim is my very own personal travel agent we're doing what she's doing, I think....she likes to plan. She knows I can't start the planning until closer to the date and I need to have a job to pay for this first.

 

[mindelmouse]

Hi! we are booked on that trip too! Right now it is just us, my brother and his family and I am hoping my parents wil come too. My 2 DS will be 8 and 11. Do you know the best way to get to Barcelona from Orlando. Thanks,

Welcome...

I also have a DS - he will be just 12 when we go. Not sure the cheapest way to get there from Orlando, but with 2 kids I would try to go direct. I would think you should have a large choice of airline because almost everyone flies into Orlando.

 

[o&smom]

I've also been reading the med cruise ports book by Rick Steves. Enjoying it. I was also able to get his full set of travel dvds (from a work rewards program place of all places). Haven't watched all of them yet but the ones I've seen I most enjoy the scenery and getting an idea of what the area is like.

So I'm wondering, which ports do people plan on using disney excursions for, and where are you planning on going off on your own?

We also plan on doing Villefranche on our own. (me, DH, DS 9 & DD 3 at time of cruise). We went to Monaco on our own last time and want to see Eze this time. La Spezia will probably be a Cinque Terre visit on our own as well. Last time was Pisa with Disney - awesome! Since we did Rome with Disney last time and we now have a clue about the lay of the land there we are planning on taking the train in on our own. Athens will most likely be a Disney tour of some sort as well as a Disney excursion to Ephesus in Turkey. Mykonos is another that looks " doable" on our own as well. We explored Malta on our own last time ( do not miss St John's Co- cathedral!!) but may look into some kind of excursion with Disney this time. Do not be afraid to do some of these ports on your own. We had never been to any of these places prior to our cruise and felt very comfortable without a tour. Even Rome, which seemed way too overwhelming in theory will be easy to do on our own.

Happy planning!

Marni

 

[Tracerr00]

I've seen that quote, and considering how much money I've spent on my gear, I'm not so inclined to agree with that statement. For me photography is a big hobby for me and I get such enjoyment out of looking at my pictures in subsequent years! For me, it's about the right bag. And, as my DH is more paranoid than I am, I have him to watch my back, literally. Most of the time when I use my camera, I have it around my neck and am holding on to it in some way to prevent the lens from impacting with something. So, while someone can try to slice off the bag from Sean's back, there wouldn't be much in it.

Sean was looking thru some sort of adventure magazine (one I'd NEVER even think of opening) and came across this line of bags:

http://www.clikelite.com/

I'm looking at this one:

http://www.clikelite.com/products/jetpack-15”/

BTW, it's far cheaper at Adorama or Amazon. But the best pictures are on the manufacturer's site.



And I agree with googling "pickpocketers in Europe". Horror stories abound!

Anybody else doing any interesting planning? I've been stuck dealing with some work issues and have been distracted. And I still haven't gotten my sewing machine back , tho my computer is behaving.

Thank you for the links! I just ordered a new camera just for this trip and I've got a little over a year to learn how to use it! Wish me luck! I was looking for some camera bags last night as well and I also found these ones.

http://www.corporatetravelsafety.co....html?osCsid=c467dd4a2dccc94c666f9626f32a9e40

Seeing as I'm new to DSLRs, I'd love to see more photos that you have from your trip! Do you have them on a site anywhere?

 

[MinnieDiva]

Even Rome, which seemed way too overwhelming in theory will be easy to do on our own.

Marni

Rome intimitdates the daylights out of me! More power to you for giving that a go! Even if it didn't, my dad would so not be able to keep up doing it on our own. And I'm imagining that the kids would be in full whining mode....

 

[mindelmouse]

Rome intimitdates the daylights out of me! More power to you for giving that a go! Even if it didn't, my dad would so not be able to keep up doing it on our own. And I'm imagining that the kids would be in full whining mode....

I'm with you on that one. Would rather be led around than trying to figure out where to go....whining children are not a good thing.

 

[MinnieDiva]

Thank you for the links! I just ordered a new camera just for this trip and I've got a little over a year to learn how to use it! Wish me luck! I was looking for some camera bags last night as well and I also found these ones.

http://www.corporatetravelsafety.co....html?osCsid=c467dd4a2dccc94c666f9626f32a9e40

Seeing as I'm new to DSLRs, I'd love to see more photos that you have from your trip! Do you have them on a site anywhere?

What camera did you end up getting? I use a Canon T1i. I'm hoping to upgrade to a better body, but I have a hard time justifying that as it does what I need it to do. As you've probably seen from earlier posts, I just was gifted with my new 16-35 USM Mark II lens. This was the lens that I rented for Med 2010, after reading another Dis'ers blog, and doing a bunch of research beforehand. I wanted to have a wide angle so that I could fit in all those amazing buildings and landscapes. I have both kit lenses an 18-55 and a 55-250, but nowadays I pretty well only use the 16-35 or the 55-250. I used the 55-250 on a lot of the Cinque Terre coastal views. I had a polarizing filter on it to reduce glare, but wasn't happy with the tone it cast on the shots. I had to do a lot of post-processing on those to make it look less....grey, I guess. I also bought myself a nifty-fifty for my birthday last year. I don't use this much, but I've gotten a lot of really good portrait shots. Not a go-to lens by any means, for me.

I've seen that PacSafe insert for a camera. I haven't been to that link before, tho, so I'll look at in in a little more depth. I've considered going with this set up, but am a little hesitant because I read some not so favorable reviews on few sites (Amazon? Rei?? I'd have to go searching again). But because I am torn, I still haven't ordered anything yet..

And, why yes, I do have a site you can look at pics! Two sites, in fact. One is my iWeb page that is due to be taken down soon (I hate that Apple is doing that, almost as much as I can't stand that they changed our email addresses from .mac to .me. My .mac still works and I'll use it until it doesn't!!!)

http://web.me.com/skamerrill/The_Merrills_web_page!/My_Albums/My_Albums.html

There other site is the Photobucket account that i use...I've altered a lot of the sizes of the photos for posting here, but here's that link:

http://s1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff449/skamerrill/

If you click on the "all albums" tab on the top of the page, you'll be taken to the list of different days and ports. The 1st link will be by far the better picture quality.

 

[MinnieDiva]

It occurs to me to add an addendum to the last post. Last year, I rented a Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X 116 Pro DX for Canon, to see what I thought of this wide angle, which is cheaper that the Canon one that I ended up getting. I didn't care for it. Not that it didn't take good pictures...it did! But for me, it was too wide with not enough zoom, and...the worst part....in order to zoom, you have to turn the barrel of the lens the opposite way than the canon lenses. I have heard that Nikon cameras turn like the Tokina does, but I don't know that for sure.

And for those of you wondering "you can rent camera lenses??", I use Borrowlenses.com. The first time I rented from them was for the Med, and as we were in CA, I stopped by and picked it up. Saved a shipping fee. So, in seeing their place and talking with the staff, I'd definitely recommend them. I've rented several times since then and have had no issues having the lenses shipped. The only caveat is that you MUST sign for the lens. Mindy's husband rented one for Alaska last summer and as both of the worked during the day, he had to get it sent to the office and that was NOT an easy process. If Jim actually reads this he might chime in on the topic...

But anyway...Jim rented the 16-35 last summer (so he could tinker with it this time), and I rented a 100-400!!! Wow that sucker was HUGE and HEAVY. But...I was able to zoom in on some awesome stuff. Got some whale tails and an eagle. The eagle was in flight, so that was kind of cool! We have eagles here in the Pacific NW, so here's one I shot about a year ago....

 

[CBJHockeyNut]

Hi! I have enjoyed reading about your trip and appreciate all the helpful tips. I couldn't help but notice your camera bag in your photos and was wondering if you felt safe using it for your trip. I ask because we have the same one and with all I have read was wondering if it would be wise to use on the trip to the med.

Thanks for your insight!