The last stop on our 2-week August getaway took us to Rome to meet Corey and Dana for a 7 day cruise. After going non-stop for the week prior to the cruise, I was looking forward to relaxing a bit. We got on the boat, put our swimsuits on, did the mandatory drill where you learn how to escape the ship if it happens to sink, and then set sail into the waters of the Mediterranean.
While sitting out at the pool that first afternoon, Dana and I began noticing the huge number of speedos all around us. The men wearing these speedos (who were of every body-type imaginable) were quite actively running around the deck, participating in line dances, and checking themselves out. And that's when it hit us -we were surrounded by Italians! Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Italians. But I do have a problem with their speedo-wearing grandpas. I'm just sayin'!
After a restless night (I was trying to get all of the icky speedo pictures out of my mind), we awoke in Sicily. Instead of booking an excursion, we just hopped off the boat and started exploring. One of our first stops was this cute square. These larger than life characters were set up in the middle of it.
Dustin, Corey, and Dana in the square by the clock tower.
We found this cool spot to look out over the port area.
A stop in Sicily cannot be complete without lemoncello and canolis!
That evening, we left Sicily and headed towards Athens. In Athens, we did the "Taste of Athens" excursion, which helped us see a little bit of everything that Athens has to offer.
Dustin and Corey getting ready to head up to the Acropolis.
We could see this theater while hiking up to the Acropolis.
Mars Hill - Paul preached there!
The Acropolis
Next, we went to the site of the first modern olympics - 1896.
After a morning of seeing the sites, we spent the afternoon shopping and trying Greek food before heading back to the ship. Our next port of call was Kusadi, Turkey, where the ancient ruins of Ephesus is located. It was amazing to walk the streets that Paul walked while living there.
Looking down on the ruins.
The theater held 25,000 people!
Dustin heading into the theater.
John's Tomb
We ended our time in Kusadasi with a traditional Turkish meal and then headed back to the ship. Our final stop on the cruise was Crete. We were exhausted, so we took it easy and just wandered without much of a plan.
This towel monkey was waiting for us when we got back on the ship. :)
Our last day on the cruise was a day at sea. It was super relaxing (if you could avoid the speedos) and just what the doctor ordered. Here we are with our awesome servers, Clive and Apolinario!
What better way to end our cruise, than dancing to New Kids on the Block in "The Dungeon"?!
Great pictures! I am having some serious travel envy. Love the picture of you two dancing to NKOTB!
ReplyDeleteYou are going to have so many amazing memories...love catching up on all that you are doing:)
ReplyDeleteAwww that brought back memories of our honeymoon! We started our cruise vacation in Rome and made stops in Kusadasi and Athens as well (among other places). I think we pretty much saw the same sites in both of those places, and I was also in awe of the history and who walked in those places before me. It was a good thing that most of the passengers on our ship were Americans, so I didn't see too many Speedos, but there were definitely some (ew) there too!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures Jody! Once again, you have me super envious of your amazing travel opportunities! So glad you are able to take it all in while you are there! The history of the places you visited is absolutely awesome!
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