Monthly Archives: May 2015

Day 2 – at sea

it was a typical day aboard a cruise ship at sea.  We explored the ship and met people from all over the world- Sweden,Scotland, Chili, Australia, Canada, England and believe it or not North Carolina.  I forgot India.  There was a bit of a mix up about our seating at dinner and my food was not really cooked properly.  The maître d came over and tried to explain the confusion about the table and then wanted me to complain about the dinner.  I told him one bad item did not warrant making a fuss.

We have no wifi aboard ship, so I am writing everything so I can send it when I can connect to the Internet.  There are no pictures for today, but I need a pretty good connection to upload and send them.  If the blog seems chaotic and disorganized that is why.

Istanbul Day 2

We are scheduled for the 2nd day of our tour which is the inside of the Blue Mosque and the Grand bazaar.  We were on the bus early to beat the crowds which we did.  Then we went to the Grand Bazaar for a carpet demonstration. The demonstration was actually very informative.  We were provided with Roku? A liquor like Ouzo- I think to make us more amenable to buying.  We walked around for a while and then headed for the bus to take us back to the ship.

 

Day 3 – Santorini 

Today we are scheduled to be in Santorini.  Going into port is beautiful.  We disembarked about 3pm and when we reached the island took a cable car to the top.  There were many shops and restaurants so we walked around looking at everything.  Shirley’s shoes had fallen apart so we did some shoe shopping.  She bought a really nice pair of walking shoes.then it was time for our afternoon break.  Wine is very inexpensive and good in this part of the world so we had some.  Concerned about the line for the cable car – there was 4 cruise ships in port- we decided to head back about 7:30.  The last tender would be at 9 but we didn’t want to chance missing it since the ship kept our passports.  We missed our dinner seating so we just went to the buffet.  Then we went to the theater to see a comedian. Shirley went to the room and I went out partying.  The band in the Atrium is great!  I met a couple from England and we chatted for most of the evening.  Then I met a woman from Scotland and she was telling me about a relocation cruise from Bejing to Australia.  It sounded really fabulous and most importantly affordable.  By this time it was 1am so I decided to go to bed.  There are many well traveled and interesting people aboard this cruise. Tomorrow is Istanbul and we have to be ready for our tour by 8am.  I have also heard rumors of rain tomorrow.  Will send everything if I can find wifi.

PS.  Have been trying to find status of Stlanley Cup playoffs.

 

Istanbul

We were up early so we could get on the bus and start our tour of Istanbul.  We got on the bus, the tour guide introduced herself and off we went- only to sit in gridlock traffic.  The traffic is worse here than in Rome when the Metro was on strike.  However we made it to the first stop the Hagia Sophia.  It looked better in pictures than it does in person. There is a great deal of restoration going on, but it really is in a state of disrepair.  We had a photo op because we stopped between the blue mosque and the Hagia Sophia and the park between them is quite nice.  After the Hahia Sophia we went to the underground cistern.  That was really impressive.  Then off to Topkapi Palace.  We could have waited in a long line to see the 86 carat diamond, but we had to be at the restaurant for lunch at noon. The decision was made that we could be on our own for a half hour at the palace and then go to lunch.  Shirley and I went to the meeting room and the clock room(no pics).  The clock  room was impressive.  I wish the signs had been a bit  more descriptive, but the clocks and watches were well worth seeing,  We then stood in a long line for the treasury to see the diamond and the Topkapi dagger. I took pictures even though they weren’t allowed. Then we went to the ancient Hoppodromr which is just a ruin.  Then off we went to the spice market.  It is like a flea market, but offers samples like Sam’s Club.  I bought a few dates, figs and sundried apricots.  Because traffic was so bad we walked to our boat for a cruise on the Bodphorus.  It was a nice boat ride that really gave us a broad view of Istanbul.

We returned to the ship just in time for dinner.  So of course we went and ate.  The ship was having a belly dancing show poolside at 9pm.  We went to see the show.  The show was great but the temperature started out chilly and went to cold.  Shirley went to the room, but I stayed until the end and then went to a lounge to hear karaoke.  I left at midnight because we have to be up very early for the rest of our Istanbul tour.

There is no wifi on the ship and shore connections are nonexistent or just not good. I can’t upload any pictures and have difficulty sending any part of the blog.

entre at restaurant

More views of Bosphorous  Istanbul from ship at night