Mt. Vesuvius and Pompeii

It is amazing that when I thought  of Pompeii I didn't think of it as a city of 20,000 with shops and homes and people and dogs. But walking through the ruins was reality. Another fascinating story in our world's history. 

Mitch and I decided to visit the top of Mt. Vesuvius and were driven the narrow, crooked, steep road almost to the top, then we had to walk the mile and a half to the top of the still active volcano.

Rome, Italy

We did "Rome in a Day" with our private driver who took us to all the spots for an outside glance. It was spectacular--there was so much to see. However, this is Trevi Fountain and if you throw a coin over your left shoulder you will be back!!

Mykonos, Greece

The city Mykonos was a beautiful little city on the hillsides and edge of the ocean. The houses are almost all whitewashed with blue windows and doors. The streets are teeny (that's smaller than tiny) but abound with shops and restaurants.

Istanbul, Turkey

The skyline of Istanbul, one of the largest cities in the world, 14,000,000, was punctuated by domes and minarets. I can't believe we actually walked the streets!

We were "helped" by a nice gentlemen who eventually led us right to his cousin's silver shop and his brother's rug shop.

The Blue Mosque was closed for the time we were there, but its presence was magnificent.

Ephesus, Turkey

We spent a day in Ephesus and it is mind boggling to think of the time frame of this city--from the ancient Romans and their worship of gods and goddesses to the time of Jesus, still over 2000 years ago, to us walking the same streets they walked.

 There was so much to see and pieces of stone laying all over that it is hard to realize that 90% of the city has not been excavated.

This is a piece that shows the goddess Nike. Can you find the Nike "swoosch"?

This is the Great Theater, built to hold 25,000, and was the place that John preached to the Ephesians. We sat in those seats!

We traveled a ways up into the hills and visited the Virgin Mary's home, the place she is to have lived after Jesus died on the cross and told John to take Mary as his mother.

Athens, Greece

We had a couple days at sea before we docked in Athens and we kept ourselves busy. CHEERS to our BLUEWATER friends!

A trip to the Acropolis--an amazing piece of ancient history--the Parthenon.

Venice--The Beginning

We flew into Venice to begin the Grand Mediterranean Cruise. Although the days have been rainy, we have explored--and have found it fascinating!

 The highways (traveled by small boats and gondolas)









and byways (traveled by foot) of Venice and not a car to be seen.


We have walked and walked--it's amazing where the maze of streets and alleyways go. We were also surprised this morning when we went out that many of the "ways" were covered by up to a foot of water and discovered that from November to April the high water phenomenon (where the high tide exceeds the normal level) floods many of the streets and makeshift walkways are erected every morning so most streets are walking accessible. We also found out the locals all wear rubber boots and carry umbrellas!