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

[Steppesister]

You're ambitious!
I'm hoping to make it to the end of the street to get the mail.

I have a lot of places I'd still like to see before I just get too old that I can't.

Wait... too steep???

Oops! Typo!! Will fix!

And here I reminded you and everything!

I know. Lame.

So Raki doesn't have that taste, then?
And yes... I don't like Ouzo for just that reason.

Nope, it's often flavored with other stuff- honey, cinnamon, etc...

Don't like fish shots... like that shot.

Well in the current update you get fresh market shots.

Yay me!
What do I win??

A pat on the back?

What do you mean? Did you pay extra for it???

No, not extra, but I'm SURE the costs of unlimited booze is certainly built into your (higher) cruise price.

So... you're saying it was too much?

TOOOOO MUCH!!

Give that lady a cheroot

Go me!!

I've met you... hardly.
Good thing I wasn't there or I'd have beat him with my walker.

LOL!!! These darned aging bodies.

Just as well. She probably doesn't remember.

What was this about?

Those are... my hours! And I know that's insane.

Hate shift work.

 

[Steppesister]

Enjoying your adventure! Anxious to hear about the Italy portion too. My DH and I are going on a tour in Sept.

Thank you and .... coming right up!! In fact, we're back there "now" starting in Venice, then onto Florence, then the East Coast a bit, then Naples and surrounding areas, then Rome, then Tuscany, then Bologna, then a bit more Venice! I'm not sure how much I can get done before your trip. I start classes again May 1, I'm getting my gall bladder out that week, and I'll be starting a new travel contract in mid-June.

 

[Steppesister]

Didn't guess that... Interesting. I'm familiar with threshing floors here in the US that worked in a similar manner but with slotted wood floors. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to still separate everything from what is basically a hard mud packed floor after the threshing is done.

I wonder if there was a wooden floor maybe when it was operational generations ago? I thought the same thing. How do they get the good stuff out of the dirt floor. I mean, that'd be a LOT of tedious winnowing.

Oh no... Apparently signage isn't a priority in Crete.

Yes, less so than here anyway, where it's often OVERDONE. Around our parts they put up signage and you won't see a single worker for MONTHS.

I really thought the "museum" was going to be a gift shop. This looks like it was more interesting than that.

This was a rare surprise! But never fear they did have a gift shop too.

I feel this way about every coffee shop I've ever seen, even here in the US. They speak a language I don't understand. I guess it's a good thing that I just don't drink coffee and usually have no reason to go there!

I know so few people that don't drink coffee and two of them are on this thread! What is WRONG with you people?!

More of that Greek wine?

Nope!! (Although, that's good too!)

Or martinis... And yes. It does.

That strong, eh?

Well, they were strong, but I guess I just wanted to enjoy the experience rather than click a zillion photos. I don't get a lot of time like this with my girlie and I sure was happy to be with her.

I'm glad the 2 of you were able to enjoy an evening and a few drinks together. Even if it became a few too many!

I just can't keep up with her.

 

[Steppesister]

I've enjoyed the last two updates. I always learn so much from your chapters.

I'm so glad you're still here, Vanessa! I'll keep trudging on with the chapters as I can. With the few weeks off of everything I've had, I've tried to get as many as I can posted. Come May, it'll all change back to "not much".

 

[Steppesister]

So basically Applebee's, then.

Yeah, basically.

I don't think I've ever had a martini, so I have no idea. But I'm sorry you didn't care for it.

I'll bet you have. There are about 4 zillion iterations of a martini.

This sounds like an old Jim Gaffigan routine: "This cheese is gross. I don't even like it. I guess I'll finish it."

Well, that escalated quickly.

I made it sound like I was down the drunk hole, but like I told Andy, it was more like I just wanted to focus on the time with Mikki and less on being in TR Mode.

Then again, there are a lot of times during this trip, I'm learning as I write my TR, that I wished I'd focused a whole lot MORE on being in TR Mode.

"I mean, didn't you notice that at some point in our conversation I started reading a vomit bag? Didn't that give you some kind of clue, like maybe this guy's not interested?"

Okay, it's a movie quote. Help me out....

Wow, and right in front of Mom? Dude is bold.

I'm sure he thought we were sisters.

Hey, I admire the team spirit there.

I'm a team player!

I'm glad you could enjoy being together!

I just don't get many moments with her at all, so was so grateful for the time we had.

 

[Steppesister]

Semi-high praise indeed!
Unless you only saw two things, then... not even that. (And yes I know you saw more than 2 things.)

Yep, saw more than a couple things.

mmm... cake...

I miss cake. Not on keto.

So you're saying what would top that would be impressive carpeted ruins.

Got it.

Well, I suppose so yes!

Well, that would certainly explain the lack of busses.
Was it because the roads were too narrow? Too twisty? Busses just not allowed?

Roads way too narrow and twisty, and then of course, they can't even travel on the dirt roads we were on mostly.

I do know this one.
Never been, but have seen many photos.

It's a fairly iconic place that's Instagrammed a lot or on photo websites.

Haven't gotten that far... wondering if you did.

Yeppers.

Sounds like a true free spirit.

She totally was. I'd have liked to have gotten to know her better.

You guys really lucked out, then.

We truly did. I'd have still enjoyed the scenery with a non-English speaker, but she sure added such a great knowledge to our time.

Cool!
I watch a show where they've been examining a similarly constructed stone fence.

OH?!

Wonder if that one was mortar-less?

Yes, that's why she pointed it out.

Woot!

erm... I mean...
That's a shame.

Har har.

Was not expecting that!

I know, although Earthquakes are also fairly regular as well and she even told a story about that!!

So, this earthquake sometime ago... maybe in the 30's? hit Greece and now many cities have ordinances that church bell towers have to be built a certain distance AWAY from the main structure of the chapels so there is less damage to those. I found that super interesting!

Seriously???
Never would've thought that in a million years, but... as soon as I read it... Sure. Of course.
Doesn't make it right, but... not surprised in the least.

People will always find a way to take advantage to their advantage...

Do the potatoes grow wild there too? Or even are they grown there?

I have no idea if they are wild, but potatoes will grow in just about anything and I'm sure home gardeners do grow them.

I'm impressed that you knew all those!
I would've been: "Huh. Bushes."

All ya gotta do when in doubt is pinch a bit off and sniff. But I cook with fresh herbs when I can, and used to grow them so am familiar.

Purpose enough. Stunning view.

It seriously was very pretty!

Whoa... that sounds so good!

It was really tasty! I think of all the little snack plates/mezes we had that was maybe the best.

Wait... I thought your driver was the one all the other drivers depended on... but she gets lost???

No she wasn't the boss. The boss/business owner was leading. (She sold her own business a while back) We fell back when I wanted a photo. They just got a bit too far ahead and they were just gone. The roads up there are a spiderweb of criss-crossing tracks and while she wasn't technically "lost" they needed to stay together so that when her jeep stalled (it did twice!) they could help her.

They should have a catapult on a timer. If you take more than 2 minutes (or even maybe one minute), you get launched into the sea below.

This is a perfect solution!

I guess that's taken from the bridge locks in Paris. Soon they'll have to be cut off too.

Maybe? We found a few others around Italy as well. I think one in Naples if I remember right.

That's the view! Wow!

Pretty cool, no?

I've never really noticed in Disney. Maybe because I don't care that much.
What I mean is, I'll gladly stop and let you get your photo... but if you're going to take too long, I'm marching in front of your photo.

Exactly. You get a reasonable amount of time. If you want more, pay for a private photo session!

 

[Steppesister]

So you never went to the first beach at all?
I guess with the weather, that's not too bad, but... still...

No, you can only get there by boat and that was a separate shore excursion. There were no stairs down or anything, you could only take a peek and move on.

I have, but I haven't done it wearing anything silver.

It's so weird that there'd be THAT much sulfur in a hot spring to make the reaction.

I've done the former, but never the latter.

A hot spring, but never swam in the ocean?

Practically free. I've paid a lot more for a couple of chairs at Typhoon Lagoon.

Yeah, prices are actually VERY reasonable there.

How cool is that!
I really like that!

It was such a clever idea!!

Unfortunate, but... like you said, wear your water shoes.

Yeah, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch....

Glad you got in a little, but...
did I miss something? I thought it was sulphur-fed so would be warm?

No there was still far too much seawater coming in so the spring didn't stand a chance to change the temp.

The key word there would be... towels? No?

I think they did but I didn't really need one that badly.

Well, I'm glad, despite the soaking, that it was so worth it for you.

Now I can say I've tried out the Greek waters.

At least the informercials were pretty. With pretty nice people, too.

Yes, still worth it!

Oh, sure. Don't most farms in the US have gift shops attached?

No?

LOL!!!! No, but all the wineries do!!!

Had you done that on purpose? I mean, buying that item as a Christmas gift?

I sure did. I bought a few things along the way for family and friends.

Was that rose growing out of a tree trunk??????

No, no, but it sure looks like it in the photo. Not intentional, but I do like how it turned out.

Looks like a nice little shaded nook to enjoy a little nosh.

I thought so too!! I should have taken my little plate of goodies and glass of wine out there. But I didn't see it until after I'd eaten. I strolled the grounds and took photos while most people spent a lot of time in the shop.

What am I looking at? Those look like hummingbird feeders??

That is a strand of "evil eye beads". They are VERY common all over Europe and Central Asia. They are hung to ward off the evil eye that people can give you through their envy or jealousy of your property of loved ones.

Here's a VERY brief synopsis:

"It is highly likely that you've encountered the evil eye at some point in your life - whether it be in paintings, stories, jewellery or cultures. But what is the meaning behind the evil eye? This article will explore the origin and meaning behind the evil eye, including an insight into how it is used in the modern-day.

EVIL EYE MEANING: WHAT DOES THE EYE SYMBOL MEAN?​

The evil eye is a curse from Greek culture that has been passed through many decades and still exists today. It states that when someone is envious of you, they'll have the power to give you an 'evil glare' and send bad luck your way.

Due to this belief, protection from the evil eye is something that many people actively sought after. This is why, in today's times, people use evil eye jewellery as a symbol of protection against bad luck.

THE ORIGIN OF THE EVIL EYE​

According to a folklorist called John Roberts, about 40% of the world's cultures believe in some form of the evil eye. There is mention of the evil eye in Roman and Greek texts, as well as the Quran and Bible. In fact, the evil eye curse has a long history as far back as 3,000BC.

Although science has evolved and times have changed since the evil eye originated, it has always been the simplest answer to 'why do bad things happen to good people?'."

But also looks super delicious. I've never heard of fries in a gyro before.

"It's like a taco."

 

[Steppesister]

They actually run dry stone sculpture courses at the local college at my cottage. Linking an article here. People come from across North America to attend.
When we were making our wall down at the lake we used the dry wall technique.
Dry Stone wall course

WOW!!! You know of this!?! How cool is that?! And somewhere, someone out there is actually teaching it!? That's so wonderful!!

I know that show. Hoping they will find something - anything.

This must be Oak Island? Never watched it, but y'all make it sound intriguing.

I like this photo as it looks in focus and out of focus at the same time.
Glad you had a great day - maybe and learned a lot.

I mostly took it because those are huge plants of wild sage and rosemary in front of the pine. But yes, interesting... It kind of does!

 

[Steppesister]

It looks like a nice island. You really got lucky with your guide, especially since she stopped for gyros at the end.

The little pebble beach is very nice. I would like the fact that it wasn't full of tourists.

We really did get very lucky. It was all random seat assignments and we just happened to end up on that one. And you're right, she really went above and beyond for us.

If the day had been warmer I might have tried to get a bit more "in" the water. But just to see it was really a treat.

 

[Steppesister]

Oh come on! I just caught up yesterday!

And now you're behind again. On this TR it's feast or famine. Just like the cadence of my life.

That was really a luck of the draw situation. I can see why some would be frustrated.

It totally was. I'm not complaining but I think a few sure did.

Wow, that's so sad.

Yeah, it really is.

Man. It almost sounds lawless.

It's like the wild, wild west!

Or Chicago.

It's all intertwined with the poison ivy. Have fun!

Now I wonder if they even have noxious weeds there. We have plenty of poison oak in Kentucky. And yes there are some terrible (but hilarious) stories of folks who didn't ID poison ivy before selecting it for hygiene "purposes".

Oh man. How many of them end up getting shoved off the cliff?

Not enough. The line was still too long.

Agree. When will you ever be back? Go see what's out there!

Exactly. I won't be healthy enough for long enough to see everything I even want to, so "making hay while the sun shines".

Wow, it sounds great! But...yogurt?

Okay, you guys... sheesh, yes, it was tzaziki. Tangy yogurt with dill, cucumbers, a little onion mixed in. It's like the dressing for the sandwich. LOL!!!

 

[Steppesister]

That selfie taking at hot spots phenomenon is so super annoying. I remember the exact same thing when I went to see the Prime Meridien in Greenwich, UK and there were so many tourists taking their sweet time with the photo taking. Ugh, so frustrating. You got some amazing shots though in your limited time!! Also, pita with fries in it sounds heavenly!

It's SOOOOOOOOOO annoying. BE POLITE!!!

I guess in the end there are a lot of selfish folks out there.

Thank you; I just got Mikki's photos so will fill in the holes as I can with those.

Mmm, gyro!!!

 

[Steppesister]

Of course shopping has to be a stop on the tour.

Of course it does.

Interesting... and yeah, I'd think putting some teeth into the illegality or changing the "after fire" usage guidelines would make a huge difference in stopping that problem.

It sure seems like it would to me too. Although it makes me wonder if the local gov. officials have a hand in the land pie and really don't want it changed either.

Should have taken your full 5-10 minutes like the others. Beautiful location!!!!

To be honest, NO one needed even 5 minutes there. There was that ONE shot to be had. Anything beyond that was pure vanity on their part making sure THEY looked good without one tic of a thought about the view behind them. Ridiculous. Go home and just look at yourself in the mirror. Geez.

I'm glad that you had the good tour guide and were able to enjoy the day a bit more than some of the others. And that view looks completely worth getting soaked for.

We were too. Grateful for the luck of the draw on that one to be sure.

Makes me think of this...

This is totally accurate!

Looks delicious. Yes, you definitely hit the jackpot with your tour guide!!!!

We truly did. She was outstanding!

 

[pkondz]

photo-lacking chapter.

There's nothing sadder than a photo in search of a chapter.

Our last day was at sea and it was mostly filled with laying by the pool, sipping on an occasional cocktail, and finally getting down the unsavory task of repacking. Yuck.

Sounds pretty nice, actually. (Other than the packing.) I could use some down time.

the Constellation has one pool in particular (I think I wrote about this before, but will again in case I hadn’t…) that is a “Thallasotherapy” Pool

I was pretty sure you'd mentioned it too... so went back and looked. You briefly mentioned it back in November (on page 11!)

I wonder if the biggest benefit is derived from simply unplugging and unwinding for several hours laying in a nice warm pool and closing one’s eyes.

Couldn't hurt.

In the pool there are areas to stretch out and recline so you can just soak. Which is exactly what we did.

For several hours.

Whereupon exiting, one finds oneself looking rather prune-like.

Before we headed back to the room we got perhaps one of my favorite photos of us together.

You ladies look very nice.

Would I cruise with Celebrity again? Probably not.

High praise ind... oh.

I don’t want to be splashed in the pool, I don’t want to hear whiney kids complaining about the food, or running around in the dining rooms. And get off my lawn

Would I cruise with my folks again? I think so, now that I know what they will and will not be able or want to do, I can adjust my expectations knowing I’ll only see them at dinner.

Heh. "I'll cruise with you as long as only have to see you at dinner."

Would I sail the same itinerary? Nope. There are other places I want to see, but beyond that I know now which Greek islands I prefer and would go back to (not via cruise) and stay a bit longer.

Interesting. I've often said that I'd like to do a Caribbean cruise, just to see which island(s) I want to spend time at. And yet, after doing my first Alaskan cruise, I'd do it again.

Did I mention that Mikki is engaged and having a destination wedding near Manila in February?

Congratulations to her!

Her fiancée’s family is from the Philippines and is helping arrange things a bit in finding a really nice, all-inclusive venue for them.

Sounds really nice.

And since I’ll be “in the neighborhood”, I thought I’d hop to Australia and maybe one of the South Pacific Islands to take a look-see.

Whoa! Big trip! Sounds amazing!

Okay, back to this trip….

Oh. Right. Forgot all about it.

even if you are younger and faster, tight train connections WILL be a disaster.

Yeah... stressful. I'll pass.

Leaving Ravenna, the port city that is NOT Venice like Celebrity advertises, and you learn about later (which really ticked me off!),

Don't beat about the bush. Tell us how you really feel.

Did you know that there is not only a national rail company, but several private companies that share the rails?

Did not know that.

The easiest way to grab tickets is: 1) think ahead and buy at least a few days prior to your trip, or you’ll pay more, 2) if you want to sit next to your people, pay a tiny bit extra and pick your seats together when you book,

Thanks for the tips. If I'm ever in the neighborhood, I'll keep it in mind.

We found our AirBnb with some effort as we needed to get on a regular water taxi from the train station to the Rialto Bridge water stop.

I've done that.

Toting our bags as best we could, we found the stop to board, bought tickets, and then stood in the wrong side of the floating station/dock and waited forever, only to realize we sucked at water taxi logistics.

Whoops! You would've gone the other way and maybe wound up in... France

A few random shots from the water taxi and the walk to the apartment:

Beautiful. I loved Venice.

The only photo I got of our AirBnb this time. Apparently, I was enamoured with the ceiling:

Actually... I really looked at that. It looks like at one point the ornate ceiling beams were plastered over. And whether by design or neglect, some of the plaster had to come down, re-revealing the painted beams.

Dad doesn’t wait to eat when he’s hungry.

Who does!

The first place he sees is going to be the BEST food he’s ever eaten and nothing else could possibly do.

A man's gotta eat when a man's gotta eat.

if it’s the first place he sees that’s where he wants to eat. This caused more than a few “moments” along the way

Oh dear...

in Italy slices are usually square at these types of places

I remember that.

After MUCH discussion and deliberation, we decided that Anara is a big girl and that with some text coaching we could guide her to where we could meet her.

Well, she managed to get all the way across the ocean on her own... what's a few more feet.

…. and it was disgusting.

Well, that's unfortunate.

I ordered some plate of cicchetti and a glass of wine, NONE of which was edible. The wine was so bad that I literally took one sip and let the rest sit there.

Not exactly a 5 star review.

She was exhausted, wanted a shower, and some dinner.

Up next…. What would 3 ladies do with themselves until dinner….?

Well, I'd guess that at least one of you wanted a nap.

 

[pkondz]

I have a lot of places I'd still like to see before I just get too old that I can't.

The world is a BIG place.

I know. Lame.

soooo disappointed.

Well in the current update you get fresh market shots.

I think I must have an affinity for them... I liked those too!

A pat on the back?

Well... I was hoping for a wad of cash...

What was this about?

About Mikki having a hangover. I asked if she had a headache the next day and suggested she might not remember.

I know so few people that don't drink coffee and two of them are on this thread! What is WRONG with you people?!

Hey!

It's a fairly iconic place that's Instagrammed a lot or on photo websites.

I have seen it before. Never knew where it was, though.

She totally was. I'd have liked to have gotten to know her better.

OH?!

You already guessed it's from Oak Island.

Also... when I was up North, there was a gentleman who was building a hotel that way. But he passed before it was completed. The foundation and a few feet of walls is all that was done.

Yes, that's why she pointed it out.

Impressive! That much height with no mortar.... huh!

So, this earthquake sometime ago... maybe in the 30's? hit Greece and now many cities have ordinances that church bell towers have to be built a certain distance AWAY from the main structure of the chapels so there is less damage to those. I found that super interesting!

It is. I don't know that I've seen a church bell tower that's separate from the church.

All ya gotta do when in doubt is pinch a bit off and sniff. But I cook with fresh herbs when I can, and used to grow them so am familiar.

Not I... but I'd actually like to.

No, you can only get there by boat and that was a separate shore excursion. There were no stairs down or anything, you could only take a peek and move on.

Ah! Explains it then. Are you glad you picked the excursion you did?

A hot spring, but never swam in the ocean?

I've been in a hot spring but never swam in an ocean that's fed by a hot spring.

I think they did but I didn't really need one that badly.

Not even when you're soaking wet?

LOL!!!! No, but all the wineries do!!!

Good point!

That is a strand of "evil eye beads". They are VERY common all over Europe and Central Asia. They are hung to ward off the evil eye that people can give you through their envy or jealousy of your property of loved ones.

Here's a VERY brief synopsis:

"It is highly likely that you've encountered the evil eye at some point in your life - whether it be in paintings, stories, jewellery or cultures. But what is the meaning behind the evil eye? This article will explore the origin and meaning behind the evil eye, including an insight into how it is used in the modern-day.

Interesting back story. Never would've guessed!

"It's like a taco."

That cracked me up.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I had the same thought!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

A word about the pool that we enjoyed most, even over the hot tubs. I don’t know about other Celebrity ships, but the Constellation has one pool in particular (I think I wrote about this before, but will again in case I hadn’t…) that is a “Thallasotherapy” Pool which is basically a warm seawater pool. According to some research, which is somewhat sketchy and loose, there are some health benefits to a nice long soak in the minerals of sea water.

I think the biggest benefit is places can charge more for the mineral benefits.

I wonder if the biggest benefit is derived from simply unplugging and unwinding for several hours laying in a nice warm pool and closing one’s eyes.

Ding ding ding!

Looking great!

Did I mention that Mikki is engaged and having a destination wedding near Manila in February? Yep! Her fiancée’s family is from the Philippines and is helping arrange things a bit in finding a really nice, all-inclusive venue for them.

Hey, that's great! Congrats Mikki!

Beautiful! Looks like you had wonderful weather there.

Everyone was pretty hungry and we all know Dad doesn’t wait to eat when he’s hungry. The first place he sees is going to be the BEST food he’s ever eaten and nothing else could possibly do. No searching for something more appealing or with better reviews; if it’s the first place he sees that’s where he wants to eat.

What could go wrong?

After MUCH discussion and deliberation, we decided that Anara is a big girl and that with some text coaching we could guide her to where we could meet her. I didn’t make this decision lightly, but the cost to meet her would be a bit steep and by the time I could get there she could be most of the way across the lagoon.

And how big can Italy be, anyway? She couldn't possibly get that lost.

10 and 30 minutes later, we left with Anara safely with us.

Sorry the food/wine were gross, but I'm glad she found you!

What would 3 ladies do with themselves until dinner….?

Sounds like it's time for a pre-dinner.

Okay, it's a movie quote. Help me out....

Planes, Trains & Automobiles. One of the greats.

 

[Steppesister]

There's nothing sadder than a photo in search of a chapter.

Trust me, they're all gonna find a chapter home.

Sounds pretty nice, actually. (Other than the packing.) I could use some down time.

I'll bet you could!

I was pretty sure you'd mentioned it too... so went back and looked. You briefly mentioned it back in November (on page 11!)

I knew it!

Whereupon exiting, one finds oneself looking rather prune-like.

Nah, we took breaks and napped in the lounge chairs too. We got there early and nabbed some extra cushy ones right on the pool deck that had cushions and pillows.

Heh. "I'll cruise with you as long as only have to see you at dinner."

Interesting. I've often said that I'd like to do a Caribbean cruise, just to see which island(s) I want to spend time at. And yet, after doing my first Alaskan cruise, I'd do it again.

I'd like to do one of those too. But I'd me more inclined to try a South Pacific one.

Thanks for the tips. If I'm ever in the neighborhood, I'll keep it in mind.

In general, I was super impressed with how easy the trains were.

Whoops! You would've gone the other way and maybe wound up in... France

Ha, no, those boats don't even leave the city.

Well, she managed to get all the way across the ocean on her own... what's a few more feet.

Good point!

Well, I'd guess that at least one of you wanted a nap.

Yes, but did she get one?

The world is a BIG place.

And I'd love to see as much of it as I can before I can't.

I think I must have an affinity for them... I liked those too!

More coming up....

Well... I was hoping for a wad of cash...

What is this thing "cash" you speak of?

About Mikki having a hangover. I asked if she had a headache the next day and suggested she might not remember.

OH, nah, it wasn't quite like that.

Also... when I was up North, there was a gentleman who was building a hotel that way. But he passed before it was completed. The foundation and a few feet of walls is all that was done.

What a cool structure! That's pretty big!

Impressive! That much height with no mortar.... huh!

I was duly impressed, yes!

It is. I don't know that I've seen a church bell tower that's separate from the church.

There was a really good example of one in Zakynthos Town, but I wasn't fast enough to snap a photo from the moving Jeep.

Ah! Explains it then. Are you glad you picked the excursion you did?

Yes, we really were. I think sitting on that small beach with no chairs and little shade would have gotten boring and hot after a while.

 

[Steppesister]

I think the biggest benefit is places can charge more for the mineral benefits.

There ya go!

Hey, that's great! Congrats Mikki!

She's pretty excited! That'll make 3 of the 5 married off.

Beautiful! Looks like you had wonderful weather there.

We truly did. I think the Zakynthos day was the only really rainy day, and even it wasn't that bad with just some off and on light drizzle.

What could go wrong?

LOL!!! It all worked out well in the end. We were never hungry and to be fair, the couple of really rotten meals we had we chosen my yours truly.

And how big can Italy be, anyway? She couldn't possibly get that lost.

Buahahahahha! We got lost in Venice every single time we stepped out the door.

Sounds like it's time for a pre-dinner.

Ding, ding, ding!!!

Planes, Trains & Automobiles. One of the greats.

It is a good one! I stink at remembering lines though.

 

[Steppesister]

Life update: April is quicky running out of days, which means my play time here in Tucson is running a short course as well. I've been back from that emergency, quick trip to Bowling Green a week now and certainly have packed in some super fun stuff, but the tasks of packing up the RV and shutting 'er down makes me more than a little melancholy.

Alas, a new term begins on May 1st, I'm probably having my gallbladder out on May 6th, and it's back to being available to my folks for helps they may need. I'd like to get one full class (of 3) knocked out by mid-June. Meantime, I'm active with 2 travel agencies who will be looking for a 13-week contract for me somewhere in Kentucky or Northern Tennessee. Life is busy. Good, but busy.

All that said, I've tried to get as many chapters posted as I can until things go a bit drier here again. I may not have as much time to be on the DIS as I'd like after the beginning of the month, so enjoy while you can!

Now.... I have a sweet little piece of news. I was FINALLY able to pin Mikki down and get her to send her photos. The task was incredibly difficult so I'm grateful for what I got. (The phone she'd taken on the trip is completely busted and mostly you can't use the touch screen. On top of that, there is no SIM card in it, so she had to upload them in tiny batches to FB messenger which took us at least an hour.) I asked her to sent like 6-25 of her best photos from each place depending on how many she had. I culled out the ones I either had nearly identical ones myself and those that weren't very good. She did get some quite nice photos which I'll share in the next posts.

Hope each of you is well and getting some long overdue true Spring weather. It's already in the low 90's here in Southern Arizona and time to skedaddle- go day is somewhere between April 28-30 depending how fast I can pack stuff up and unhook all the things. It'll take me 5 days to get to Kentucky because I don't do long road trip days. I have planned to stop and do a little hiking in the Petroglyphs National Monument outside of Albuquerque on the way. Once you get into Texas, there is... nothing.

With that, watch for a couple more chapters.

 

[Steppesister]

A few auxiliary photos that I finally pried out of Mikki. Huzzah!!!

Mykonos Island:

(My favorite of hers)


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Chania, Crete:

(I had coffee right by that white folded up umbrella. And I posted photos of a close up of that church door.)


(Rumor has it that that big complex was built by the local mafia as a money laundering operation. They never finished it.)


(An old ag warehouse)


(Nicotiana, one of Mikki's Grandpa's favorite flowers. Related to tobacco, btw, hence its name.)


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Next up Mikki's Athens and Zakynthos Photos....