Laureen update

Thursday 29^th September  - Crete Greece

Russell has posted the pictures of  German War Cemetery  and the Holy Monastery of Gonia. The mosaics at the Monastery were amazing and so beautiful. Built in1618 by Monks. Out Taxi driver then took us the scenic route back to the old markets which was great. We made our way back to the boat around 3.30pm to sit on our deck and have a cool drink before going to dinner. We dine in The Edelweiss Restaurant and get waited on hand & foot – just heaven. We bought a bottle of Kim Crawford Sauv cost us $56 US dollars. You know me ¼ of a glass at most well they just put your bottle aside and bring it out the next night - great service. After dinner we went to a show Lindsay Hamilton West End singer. It was great she sang everything from Evita to Skyfall.

Friday 30 September – Athens Greece

Russell had arranged for us to have a private guided tour so it was up very early as we had to meet the guide at 8am.  Michael was his name and we driven in a six seater Mercedes mini van – very comfortable. First stop the Acropolis. I made it to the top and was so proud of myself as it was pretty hard going walking on uneven surfaces and marble which is like walking on glass. We covered all the tourist sites and certainly ticked all the boxes. Michael took us to a small family run Greek restaurant for lunch and we were presented with 7 different authentic Greek dishes. OMG we struggled and then we were given desert all for 20 Euro. All I wanted to do was have a Nana nap. We were delivered back to the ship about 4pm and were shattered. We got room service that night and sat on our balcony as we sailed for Thessaloniki.

Saturday 01 October - Thessaloniki.

 We left the boat and walked to the far end of the township along the waterfront. Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece after Athens and its port one of the busiest in the country. It was again a beautiful day temperature around 28 degrees. We have been looking at the HB weather and it seems we choose the best time to be away. We loved our day here and I sent several of you photos of us as we left the port for Turkey.

Sunday 02 October – Kusadasi - Turkey   Happy Birthday Zoe

Both Russell & I have been here before and to the magnificent ruins of Ephesus. We did not dock till 10am so it was a leisurely morning before setting out for the township and the Grand Bazaar. We had a great day and I bought myself a very beautiful ring which I am hoping my daughter will not like and borrow. The tourist industry has certainly taken a dive given the terrorist circumstances in Istanbul.  Kusadasi in October usually sees 90 cruise ships. Only 30 are scheduled for this October so the peoples are really feeling the pinch so there are bargains galore. Russell had his hair cut well that was an experience especially when they bought out the flame thrower to burn the hairs from his ears. They oiled & massaged all for 20 Euro. Tonight it is fine dining and off to another show. This time it is a singer from Britain’s got talent will let you know how it was. We sail at 8pm for Rhodes.