The ABCs of Greece & Italy! X, Y, and Z, and that Friends is THE END!!! :) See you in Asia and Australia, Join Me THERE!!

[Paulaparm]

More amazing photos! (Even with the cats...not a cat person )
I can't even imagine that awful boat ride!!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I’ve been to Mykonos and loved it but never over to Delos. Very cool history!
OMG the boat ride back! Sounds like our boat ride near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia when a cyclone was out at sea. It was wicked. I’m glad I was in my early 20’s at the time! Not sure I could do that now!

 

[Steppesister]

Replies soon!!

 

[afwdwfan]

There was an old, dilapidated vending machine with nothing in it in one corner and old paint cans, brushes caked with crusty paint, and tarps were piled in another.

Let me guess... the paint was lead paint too? That old? Sounds sketchy!

I myself appreciated her bringing some contemporary relevance to this very ancient place.

Humans... A lot has changed since ancient Greek times, and yet in some ways, very little has changed.

Here’s the skinny: This vast portico, originally lined with dozens of enormous columns, was the site of a giant statuary pissing war.

Is this vacation? Feels like a normal day at work watching people having pissing wars.

There is not much left of the actual Temple of Apollo nor his gigantor statue; that was pilfered in the mid-1800’s by French archeologists whose idea of archeology was rob and dismantle.

It really is a shame how much history has been lost over the years because of these types of situations.

bviously, these statues really don’t look like lions, but our guide did speak to that, explaining that art was still quite primitive in 600 BC and that was likely the best they could do with the tools and experience they had at the time.

I can see what they were going for though. And I guess part of me wonders how many of the artists carving those statues had ever seen a lion with their own eyes? It isn't like they had photographs or videos to study back then, either.

It was JUST. LIKE.THAT.

Yuck! Hopefully nobody on an upper deck sounding like they were going to ralph on everyone below.

 

[KathyM2]

When you see 20-foot walls of water, taller than the ship coming straight at you, that you cannot see the top of, hit the crest, then see them crashing against the window beside you, feel the freefall straight down on the other side… over and over, over for an hour…. you just want it to be over. It was all I could to keep things from spilling out the other end. You think I exaggerate. It was 100% not safe and I wondered if the crew were regretting that crossing.

Yikes. I definitely would not have enjoyed that. That is an absolute nightmare.

 

[franandaj]

Bright and early, we awakened to yet another Greek island coast in the view of our porthole; once again, we’d be tendered to shore shortly after sunlight. This meant another alarm clock going off at dawn and another ho-hum, grab-n-go breakfast before trekking the length of the ship to the theater in the stern. I’m not complaining. I was in Greece for Pete’s sake- a place I may be lucky enough to only get to once in my lifetime.

Yikes! While I don't mind getting up at the crack of dawn on a cruise ship, I rarely want to get on a tender boat that early. I get that you're in Greece and somewhere you might not see again, but I don't like to work that hard on a cruise vacation!

Both of us, Mikki and myself, were very anxious for this day of excursions, which would ultimately hit, some old, some VERY old, and some new but timeless places.

That does sound cool, but so does relaxing with a drink of the day....

There was an old, dilapidated vending machine with nothing in it in one corner and old paint cans, brushes caked with crusty paint, and tarps were piled in another.


Okay it was frightening.


Nevertheless, we took our seats and said a little prayer.

Yeah, that doesn't sound like fun.

For the most part, all that was left were the walls and some steps, but a few boasted some exquisite mosaic floors.

I'm not sure how into ruins I would be. Might not be my thing, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

The most thought provoking thing I remember her saying was, “Greeks used theater and drama to teach morals and ethics to its citizens; it was meant to promote debate and discussion and was often interactive using question and answer format.” In fact, she told us, attendance of the theater was a required activity regularly, and every year there was an entire week dedicated to mandatory theater attendance which was performed by traveling philosophers and teachers.

That is quite interesting!

But even more shocking, a fair amount of them were likenesses of themselves!

Yup. People haven't changed a bit.

Obviously, these statues really don’t look like lions, but our guide did speak to that, explaining that art was still quite primitive in 600 BC and that was likely the best they could do with the tools and experience they had at the time.

I was thinking they looked more like otters or sea lions.

Ever hear of James A. Cook? Here’s his mark left behind.

I had no idea that he was on that side of the earth. I guess before he trashed the other side of the planet.

With that it was time to begin our sailing back to the island of Mykonos for the remainder of our tour. Same boat, same prayers.

Ugh, but I had no idea what you would be in for on the way back.

Within 10 minutes of the hour-long ordeal, you could literally see far too many folks turning green, sweating, and trying to hold in their bio-spills.

That's awful, I wonder if it would have been better to wait a bit, or if that would have been worse.

Our little ship was now a vomitorium.

Sorry you had to live through that.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

WARNING LONG POST FULL OF HISTORY, MYTHOLOGY, AND CAT PHOTOS

That pretty much describes the entire internet.

This was one of our more strenuous days that would have been harder for Mom. Plus she gets seasick pretty easily so...

Oh, I'm sure there's nothing to worry about there.

I’m going to copy and paste because I’m both lazy and very busy. Yes, one can be both simultaneously.

I usually try and avoid being in one of those categories.

For reference, Apollo was the god of practically everything – including but not limited to music, poetry, art, prophecy, truth, archery, plague, healing, sun and light.

Good grief, quit hogging everything!

Maybe I missed my calling as a travel writer…

There's still time! You just have to quit all that nursing stuff.

Wow, that looks really elaborate!

Greeks used theater and drama to teach morals and ethics to its citizens; it was meant to promote debate and discussion and was often interactive using question and answer format.

Now we use it to show superheroes fighting imaginary things in the sky.

She shared that the theater was used as a tool and gathering place to educate citizens in HOW to be a productive, prepared, PARTICIPATORY person in the democratic process by learning debate and hearing all sides and drawing conclusions.

Bah! Why waste the time! I can make my own conclusions based on what I want to be true.

Everyone knew it was a competition to see who would bring what each year, and status was assigned accordingly. Is this sounding familiar? I’ll keep saying it, humans have evolved not one iota (hey, look at me using Greek words!); it may be done in different places and have different forms but the basic premise of pride hasn’t gone anywhere.

You're right, there really is nothing new under the sun.

Ever hear of James A. Cook?

I have! I always thought he just sailed in the Pacific.

The day had grown progressively windier, and the seas were now dancing with whitecaps.

Oh boy...

Old women were literally screaming as we heaved up the 20-foot swells and crested over the tops.

Well, yeah, that would do it. I'd be screaming right along with them. That's terrifying.

When you see 20-foot walls of water, taller than the ship coming straight at you, that you cannot see the top of, hit the crest, then see them crashing against the window beside you, feel the freefall straight down on the other side… over and over, over for an hour…. you just want it to be over.

Oh my gosh, it feels like it will never, ever end. Thank goodness you survived! That's no joke.

 

[pkondz]

That pretty much describes the entire internet.

 

[Steppesister]

Oh nice.
Hope that works out for you.

Sadly, it did not. I will not be working in Arizona this season, so have asked my program mentor to bump up my next class and I'll start that on Monday.

Yes but I’ve never experienced that. Never dove up here in winter.

Is that something you'd even consider!?

I’ve just seen too many places that claim to be the burial site of _____ or resting place of _______ with very little evidence to support the claim

I'm in the camp of rumors and legends usually have some element of truth, some more than others.

Pretty sure that’s the story. I’m positive Coke’s been around that long.

Coke's been around for as long as I have, and these days I feel as old as Moses.

I didn’t think so. Still made me choke on my lukewarm Coke.

 

[Steppesister]

I trained at a teaching hospital. The quizzing you referred to is often called “pimping” at academic centers. I did some rotations with a MD who was actually from my hometown and loved “pimping” me in front of residents that I also worked with.

Hey David,

So sorry for the long delay! I finally passed Pharm and then got busy doing all of the things I've been wanting to do here in my Winter Home since arriving since Jan- RV renovations, hiking, sightseeing...

Very interesting! "Pimping"- ha! For now my preceptors are at a family practice and at a county health place. We'll see how much of that I get.

 

[Steppesister]

I agree with this. The workmanship is so beautiful.

I loved the designs and colors for sure!

This sounds and looks so good. Sorry about your coke. I could not drink a warm soda.

Even in all of my travels, it's just not something I could get used to and learn to like.

Fascinating. It's great that they have kept up this craft.

It really is! There are far too many lost trades and arts now which makes me so sad.

Excellent exit. This is one I would have no problem using. I don't like pressure sales either.

It just feels so icky. Glad I'm poor sometimes! LOL!

 

[Steppesister]

Modern architecture usually has a budget and a deadline, too. Rather than an artist giving his time and talent for the glory of God or other noble pursuit.

I'm just gonna call it "McDonald's".

So 5 loaves of bread and 3 fish?

Ok, total rabbit hole here, but there's actually a somewhat well-known golf story involving "fig jam". Apparently one prominent player has quite the reputation for being fairly egomaniacal about his game. And not afraid to say so. This got to the point where many fellow tour pros began to refer to him as "fig jam". It stood for "F--- I'm Good, Just Ask Me."

Ok, that's pretty funny! What a guy!

No. I don't have the self-discipline to do anything like that.

So, if you start a project and work on it for a few months, then put it away for,...I dunno, 15 years, and tell everyone "I'm working on this (thing), does it count?

Seriously. I would be dying a thousand deaths here. Where is the clearance rack?

If you'd heard the spiel, EVERYTHING's on sale. "I give this to you for a deep discount! Just for you a great special!!"

I have two kids in college. Clearly I am not the target demographic here.

You're among 99% of the world's population.

 

[Steppesister]

Normally i may not like a totally chill vacay, but after the last year, yes I will enjoy that.

Well our fruit plates are not so much, plus Fran can eat way more than me. I have a piece or two and thepastries are reduced in size so that's nice as well.

Well I've posted one day. Two updates. Very easy ones.

And I've been so busy with RV stuff, classes, and getting out and about in AZ now that I'm hopelessly behind again.

Even your Blind Rabbit place has a 90 minute limit.

Sadly, a place I've never gotten to yet. Someday.... I'd really like to make it back to SoCal again. My daughter is getting married in the Philippines in Feb, so maaaaaaaybe a stopover on the way?

No change. Single digits tomorrow!

And now you're back! I think you've probably started a TR, and I sure hope to get to that soon!

Looks like a nice spread.

It was all surprisingly quite good! I loved the way the green beans and fish were cooked!

Not me. I wouldn't spend much more than a couple hundred for a rug that would be covered in cat puke!

Yeah, ok, I can see that.

 

[Steppesister]

Your report inspired me to possibly change my grandson's cruise from Alaska. He mentioned to me that he wants to go to Italy one day. His last name has inspired him. That name is about Italian as he gets, but I won't argue that with him. I may keep Alaska and use a Mediterranean Cruise as a reward for college or culinary school. He is debating being a chef or a chemical engineer. I'm leaning towards chef for him as he is an amazing cook and really enjoys it. Looking forward to more to share with him.

Either are very worth traveling to. I loved both, but Italy is more involved for sure. Alaska more scenery-oriented, Italy more history and art-oriented.

A chef and a chemical engineer are so wildly different! What a contrast. Maybe Italy will inspire even more!

 

[Steppesister]

Pretty sure they've given me dandelions here at some supposedly fancy meals I've had. Not sure why they couldn't keep it authentic there!

Cuz authentic greens taste like crap. Except wild onions and garlic.

Maybe they should have waited to place the food after everyone was seated.

LOL!!! The cats know the drill I'm sure.

But did they exist in Biblical times?

I'm sure they did, just an ocean's distance away!

Interesting... so who are the "salesmen?"

I guess local guys around "town" who need a job. I'm surprised the sell enough volume for them all to make a living! I also wonder if maybe they have other jobs as well like the family olive farm or something?

 

[Steppesister]

Wow! That voyage back to port sounds horrendous. It takes away from the amazing island tour that you had. It is a good thing your parents stayed behind.

It was horrific!! You hear about ferries and little boats sinking all the time in conditions just like that and this had me so nervous!!

My mom would have died of a heart attack for sure. :/

 

[Steppesister]

And vomiting... you forgot the vomiting...

As long as it wasn't me.

You may be one up on me. I doubt I'll ever get there.

Nah, you're still young... lots of time for travel after retirement?

I get it, but... at the same time... there are cheaper ways of not moving around? Ah well, as long as they had some nice views from the ship, then it's all good.

I think they just liked sitting by the pool and reading and nibbling at the buffet.

Too bad you didn't take a photo. Would be interesting to see.

I know. I messed up a few times with photos.

Dunno. I mean... I certainly wasn't there, but... I'd maybe think of that as... Functional? Work-like?
As long as it doesn't sink...

Yes, it was very utilitarian for sure. Best way to describe it.

Next time, photoshop out that dandelion and maybe photoshop in some tiny people by its paws.

LOL!! Then it'd be killer CAT and killer SEAS.

Interesting. And in another mythology, another woman had trouble finding a place to give birth, 800 years later.

No idea on this one. My mythology is very weak at best.

Followed the last launch with great interest. Now just have to wait until 2024-2025 for the next one.

Which really isn't all that far away.

Stone... I sure hope they had some pillows or something otherwise that doesn't sound super comfy.

No it really doesn't!

Point of order... I think at the moment you are a travel writer.

Hmmm, you may have just made a pretty good point.

I find that fascinating. I mean... you don't think (at least I don't) of ancient civilizations as that advanced

I know, right?! Indoor plumbing, canal/sewage systems, drainage, water storage, amazing!

That's the mosaic in the link you posted. Yup. You coulda written that article.

See?!

Those columns are much taller than I thought they'd be. Glad you have that person in there for scale.

Yes, much bigger than I thought they'd be too. No wonder many are still standing.

Interesting. Can you imagine having to attend plays or movies? Sign me up!

YES!

The last US election had a voter turnout of 67%....

Pathetic.

As was the British.

And the Portugese, and Spanish, and North Africans....

Can you imagine???
<pant><gasp> "Well..." <gasp> "We finally got it down here... now what?"
"We leave it here!"

The makings of a mutiny.

Did you see that?

Yes, but again, no photo. It just wasn't much at all. Nothing identifiable as such so just didn't bother.

The ginger or the essential oil?

It's actually ginger-infused essential oil. We also kept lemon, mint and one other on hand. Some do better for pain, others are better for nausea.

 

[Steppesister]

I really enjoyed your walking tour with the details and photos. I'm very frustrated with the items taken from the island.

I did not enjoy your boat trip back. I would have been with the group who lost their cookies. I carry ginger chews with me, and I don't think they would have been enough for this voyage. So thankful y'all made it back in one piece.

Thanks, Vanessa! I'm so sorry I am so behind on your report and wish I had more time right now. Just a lot going on with school (I will start another course Monday) and RV renovations have stolen a ton of my time. And now that the weather has finally turned nicer, I want to be out hiking and walking and enjoying the Arizona sunshine!

No, this was actually pretty extreme and honestly pretty dangerous. I was surprised they let us be out there at all. I think that particular shore excursion should come with a warning about rough seas for sure.

 

[Steppesister]

More amazing photos! (Even with the cats...not a cat person )
I can't even imagine that awful boat ride!!

Thanks, Paula!

I'm not really one either. I can take or leave them and don't want to own one. I am out of the house far too much to be fair to a pet and don't want the expense or responsibility.

Who knew a short crossing from a nearby island could be so hellacious!

 

[Steppesister]

I’ve been to Mykonos and loved it but never over to Delos. Very cool history!
OMG the boat ride back! Sounds like our boat ride near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia when a cyclone was out at sea. It was wicked. I’m glad I was in my early 20’s at the time! Not sure I could do that now!

I'd say Delos is 100% worth going, but pick a calm day!!! Tons of cool history, and I was really bummed we didn't get to see the museum with the artifacts!

So you DO know what those giant waves were like! Yikes!! So scary!!! I am so thankful I don't get seasick super easily or I'd have probably tapped out the rest of the tour.