Portofino is on the Bay of Liguria….is our first stop after leaving Rome where we left some of our passengers and picked up a new group.

Our tour us a boat tour of the Italian Riviera Out of Portofino.

Since 1933 Portifino and the coastline has been a regional park…a protected area. Another ruggedly beautiful coastline……with next to no houses.

 First stop was a beautiful bay with a monastery ….a two hour walk away from Portofino or the other closest town, San Roche. There are no roads. It is a very hard walk up the mountain, along the top and over. The monastery was built in 12th century. In the winter there are only three people living there because of the difficulty of getting I and out.

Camoglia is the next town.  It’s on the Bay of Paradise. Called the 1000 sailings.  There used to be 580 boats …..lmore than Hamburg, Germany

The houses are very tall and brightly coloured….the reasons are that it is less expensive because it is such a mountainous area and painted so the men, fisherman or sailors could recognized their homes from the sea as they were passing by.

Portofino is gorgeous as is Camoglia.  I would love to return to this area again.

As mentioned in the previous post, we docked in Naples as opposed to anchoring off Sorrento.  The reason being inclement weather…..which only occured during the night.  The day was beautiful and sunny, an absolutely gorgeous day.  It was perfect for visiting and viewing this spectacular coast of Italy.  Because we arrived in Naples instead of Sorrento, it was further to go so it looked like we not going be able to visit Positano, the one place I really wanted to see.  My friend Judie and husband Iain had stayed there for a week a couple of years ago and raved about it.  So you can imagine I was disappointed but, as it turned out, for an extra 7€ and cutting short our visit in Sorrento, we all got to see it.  Oh, it was well worth it.  Breathtaking scenery.  I had taken a boat ride along the Amalfi Coast from Salerno to Amalfi back in 2011.  That was oh so beautiful too but this, with a different point of view, driving along steep cliffs with hairpin turns on extremely narrow roads was, I would say, much more spectacular.  Apparently there are 24 plus lookout huts built along the cliffs to keep an eye out for pirates and such.  We did get to shop and look around Sorrento so it was a power shop for many.  Some bought leather jackets and purses and some linen clothing.  From there it was to the Lemon farm where Pam and Janie had stayed at a couple of years ago.  It was in a lovely location not far from Sorrento.  We were fed fresh homemade bread, mozzarella cheese, salami and proscruito.  And then came the limoncello in 3 different forms.  Oh my, there were some very happy people.  What a fabulous day we had!

I did not have a tour today so myself, Pam, Heather and the two Shellys hired a taxi to go to and from (with a 3 hour stay), Taormina.  Cost 200€ for the 5 of us.  I was here last year.   It is a absolutely beautiful town built on a hilltop like so many others in Italy.  This one is extra special though.  They were built on the tops of hill for protection.  It is just that more difficult to attack a place if that place is above you.  The first place that I wanted to see was the amphitheatre that I had heard was fully intact.  Last time no one had told me about it (and I hadn’t read any notes on it) until we were almost ready to catch the bus.  Well I got to see it this time.  Unfortunately, I had seen one in Alanya, Turkey that had marble seats built all the way to the top.  The stairs were rock too.  Not this one.  I would say that the rusted metal frames and cement steps were not from the 3rd century BC (Greek) to 2nd century AD (Roman).  What I will give credit to is the breathtaking views from it of Taormina and the Sicilian hillside.  Wow!!!  Again Taormina is one place that I would recommend to anyone …..to visit this lovely, lovely city on the hill.

Before leaving the ship, there was an announcement that they were expecting rain here today.  The cruise director also joked that if you take an umbrella that the pattern is tha it won’t rain.  I took my umbrella.  Just as we were getting into the cab to return to our ship, the skies opened up.  It absolutely poured buckets.  Then as we got back to port, it had stopped.  The timing was perfect.

Apparently they are expecting rough seas tonight so will not be dropping anchor in Sorrento but will be tying up in Naples. I wonder how that is going to affect our private tour tomorrow???

Paleokastritsa  and Caves Expedition.  Our tour will be about 4 hours. 

Marilyn and Diane are with me today.  Linda went to the Palaces of Corfu.

 There are two ships in port today…..us, the OceaniaRiviera and Costa Riviera….same names. What are the chances of that???  Greece is 51,000 sq. miles.  Corfu is the 5th largest island in the Med.   It is the most northerly and westerly of the Greek Islands. It is very well treed, unlike most of Greece that is barren…roads are not wide but well cared for.

80% of  Greece is covered by mountains.  Greece has the longest coastline in the world   1500 islands but only 400 are inhabited. Corfu is 60 by 40 kms.  We go from sea level to Bellavista …the mountain being 3000 ft high.  We drove through the village of Lakones….where there is the traffic light (I remember that from last time) cuz the street is max 3 metres wide and wanders….not in a straight line.  OMG!  You have to give these drivers credit let me tell you.

Oozo is  40% alcohol or 80 proof.   

The strait that seperates Corfu and Albania is only 1 nautical mile at its narrowest point….where a lot of people escaped the communist regime of Albania.

That concludes your geography leason for the day.  There was a great deal mentioned but it becomes a little tedious and difficult when you are trying to take pictures, enjoy the places you are visiting not to mention if you want to visit with your seat mate.

First we drove through Corfutown…..clean, neat and seemingly well cared for.  From there we went to the  6 bays of Paleokastritsa.  It is in the shape of a cloverleaf.  We explored the rugged shoreline by boat including sailing into some of these caves.   They are not very deep but very beautiful. There were lots little fish in the clear turquoise water.  After coming back to where we caught the boat, we had about 40 minutes of swimming in the clearest water you can ever imagine….so unlike our waters at home.  Then back onto the bus to drive up the mountain….switchbacks galore on this humongous bus which was almost running out of room on the corners before turning.  We arrived at the Bellavista for absolutely spectacular views of the bays of Paleokastritsa from where we had just come…..and Greek snacks and a choice of wines or oozo……  It is a wonderful place to visit.  I probably said the same thing the last time I was here in 2011.  I would love to come back here and stay for an extended period.  Yes I would recommend it.

This day was for me and a another few gals, was a relaxing day just wandering “the”street in this little town that is the port for the ancient location of Olympia.  Amazing that this extremely small town, had a dock (we were the only ship) whereas, Santorini that had 5 ships in port, did not.  We all had to anchor and tender in there…..not that it was a slow process.

I’m telling you I did nothing….no shopping at all cuz when I went to purchase something, I realized for the second day in a row, I had forgotten my money.  We did stop at a restaurant where the owner ran out to greet us implying that we were old friends that had finally returned to Katakalon).  I did manage to borrow a few €uros.  We had olives (which I dislike immensely), feta cheese (bread too) and Oozo, that liquorice tasting alcohol that is apparently wine flavoured with anise.  My……it is waaaay stronger than any wine I have ever tasted.

It is quite a long stay before leaving……until 7.  We only have to go as far as Corfu.  Not all that far.

I just thought I’d check the conversion of knots to kilometres per hour after I just read this morning that the winds yesterday were 90 km/hour.  I remember being told when we were on the ship, I think it was after leaving Hong Kong, that the winds were 60 knots/ hour.   That translates to 111 kms/hour.  No wonder it was really, really rough. 

This day, Tuesday October 4th, Linda and I had wanted to go on an excursion “Santorini by boat” but unfortunately it was already full way back when and so as an alternative we decided to go for “Volcanic Santorini”. I was apprehensive that either one of us could do it because everthing indicated that it was only for the very fit.  But……if you know anything about me, you know I will try with everything not to give in.  Well……both of us made it to the top and back.  Yeah for us!  We were huffing and puffing, sweat was dripping off my face and into my eyes.  Coming back down was equally  as difficult for me atleast…..because of knee issues.  It was an endurance test for sure.  I am so glad I had my walking poles.  There were three calderas to this island of Nea Kameni or “new burn” in English.  The last still being active with sulphur smoke escaping out of the cracks.  In this area there are hundred of “statues” created by tourists out of the rocks (which are plentiful).  Also in several areas, there were scientific gauges and whatnot so that they can determine when the next eruption will occur.  It was totally barren ….absolutely nothing for anything to exist on.  I think our guide said only rats, lizards, snakes and a few rabbits survive there because there is no water only that that is created by the humidity deposited under or between the cracks in rocks. It is an ugly environment…….the view though is quite spectacular.  

Also part of the tour was to stop near the “old burn” island as opposed to the new burn where one old hermit lives with his goats, to swim I n the sulphur pool.  I don’t think any of us realized that we had to either dive or climb down by ladder and then swim 50 metres to get to it.  Only three of us….all women chose to swim to it.  Again, I made it.  Yeah!

After we returned to the old port of Thira, we had a choice of riding up  to Fira the town via the trail by donkey (We looked at those poor animals and said no way),walk up this trail or we could take the cable cars.  We took the cable cars.  As we were getting off we realized that that was a mistake to venture there.  The lineup was horrendously long.  Upon seeing that we just couldn’t relax enough to really look around and/or shop.  We had something to eat…a smallish pizza that left a lot to be desired that we shared, an ice tea and Smirnoff Ice.  The bill…32€ or about $45+.  We then got in line to get back on the cable cars…….a ninety minute wait.  If there are many ships in port….(there were 5, most being bigger than us.  Probably with an excess of 10,000 passengers), I would advise against going up.  I would say never again.  I had been here before….in 2011.  It didn’t impress me this time as it did my first time.  I don’t need to come here again.

This post I wrote several days ago but wifi is terrible…….if I can send this at all. If you want to see pictures you will have to get them from Facebook.

Here I am back on the Mediterranean again.  This time I am traveling with my good friend Linda Bedard.  Again  we are sailing on the Oceania Riviera.  We upgraded from an inside to consierge balcony.  Marble bathroom with full-sized bathtub plus a seperate shower.  What a treat!

Our day has been extremely stressful.  When we got to the airport in Victoria for a flight leaving at 5:25 am, there was also a flight leaving at 6.  Because the lines were so chock-a-block full, we didn’t make it to check-in in time.  They had closed the gates so to speak.  Both Linda and I had tried to check in the night before but the system would not allow us to.  Anyway, one lovely lady employee (one was a total hag) got us rebooked on one leaving at 7 (we were supposed to be catching the 7 o’clock out of Vancouver.  So…..that one got changed to 8.  That was stressful but alas the gate we had to go to get our connection, was very close by.  From there we were to fly to Toronto.  The connection time to the next flight ……to Athens, was supposed to be only an hour and a half but we circled the airport for god knows how long.  Have you been to Toronto and have to make a connection to an international flight?  We must have made our quota for steps taken in that mad dash to get to our gate.  But we made it…..but not with much time to spare…..on the original flight we were to take.  Phew!!!  

We arrived in Athens….what a breeze going through customs…….just rubber stamped and we were on our way.  The man that was to deliver us to the ship was there holdin up a sign saying “Gail Grand”…….oh well I knew it had to be me.  After all nine of us that I was responsible for collecting were altogether, we drove through some really poor uncared for residential areas of Athens and Pireaus to our ship.  We arrive there about 11am and were very shortly on board and were being fed in the Terrace Cafe.  Yeah….it certainly was nice to get great food after the less than ideal crap that Air Canada served us.

Kalimerra means good morning….our tour is to Lassithi Plateau.  Crete is 5th largest in Mediterranean.    To monestary of the Virgin Mary….from 14th century.   Island of 3000 villages.  It is compulsory to join armed forces at 18 or after studies are completed.  It is surrounded by sixty islands…..uninhabinetted.  Lots of wild goats……they plant oleanders which are poisonous, along highway to prevent accidents (the goats won’t go near them).  One protected islet they have placed wild goats to save them. Since there is no water on these islands, they have to bring water to them……..every other day.  55% of population is in agriculture, the rest are in tourism.  There are 35 million olive trees.  Extra virgin Olive oil is number one export, wine is second.  Oldest olive tree is 3000 years old but many are 500 years old.  Family of four consumes 300 litres of olive oil…..good for the heart. 

The eastern section is sinking with the east is rising.  Some earthquakes but not severe.  Sea squill plant are planned to protect the houses from earthquakes.  300 endemic plants on Crete.  

5000 orthodox churches on Crete. Priests are allowed to marry but must be married before becoming priest….and only once.  If the wife dies, they still cannot remarry. 

Goats wear bells but sheep don’t but so the owners paint their butts.

The Lassithi Plateauis 2400′ above sea level,  mountains are up to 8000′.  There are 21 villages on the plateau.  The 100 or so windmills in the plateau are used for irrigation, the derelict rock ones on the hills were used to grind barley, grains.

5 kilo of olives make only 1 litre of olive oil. 

Pam may have written this (different and more eloquent than I do) but I absolutely agree with what she has written here.  Thanks Pam.

More of India, some weeks later ….
by PamelaTravelBlog

I was prepared for difficulty, dirt and disease.
I found love and the soft spot of human existence. I found acceptance and desire. I was not prepared for luxury and ease.
As with most of what I saw and photographed, India is surreal for the foreigner. It’s as if it floats, almost disconnected … Like in a cloud in heaven. Yet … It’s all part of and interconnected with the rest of the universe. Spiritually, it may be the center of the the globe, beating with the blood of the worlds people’s.
I did not expect to be blessed, accepted and especially not celebrated, just for being me and showing up. I believe this is how humans should feel, every day. In familiar or unfamiliar lands, we ought to feel privileged and among friends and family every moment of our lives, in every place we venture.
Standing on a ghat along side a body of water, I felt akin to the people everywhere. It is not in the water itself, this life’s blood is just one of the ways in which the pulsing energy is transported to connect the creatures that share the bounty. A great conductor of life, the water assists me to feel the connection to nature and all that is live.
I did not expect the simplicity of life. Almost free of longing or striving to be “other” than what is. I found a land of healing, magic and mystery .. For and from all the senses, emotions, spirit and the precious body.
How did this gal from the ocean waves calling deep from the extreme high and low tides of Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia Canada, fall in love with a desert in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India?
With my antennae tuned to receive the negative, I found only love and joy. I found colour and life. I found a simplicity previously unimagined.
I found it all on a short camel trek to see the large orange sun ball slip gently behind the massive glorious sugar soft sand dunes on the other side of the planet Earth.
I fell madly in love with the women of this country who dress in spectacular colours and flowy silky fabrics. Women who carry heavy loads of history along with bundles of sticks or large containers for water, carefully and with seeming ease upon their beautiful heads. Their tasks are simple, important and immediate. No question or resistance can be seen on their faces. Life is what it is.

This part of our trip, the cruise, seems to have been not what it was expected to be.  For starters, the itinerary was changed after we had left Canada so too late for us to change plans.  The ship had to go to another country before going to Beijing, (a change just recently put in place by the Chinese government), thereby making it impossible to see the places that most people that come to Beijing come to see, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.  We end up going to Korea to a place that most people on seeing it, would never choose to go to again.  

Then, this is the absolute “best part,” we all are in a sense, were being held hostage at sea.  The morning that we were to dock in Tianjin (port city for Beijing), we had to return to 15 miles out to sea and anchor …….waiting for the smog inversion to lift.  We waited and waited and waited, never knowing what we were to do.  The port officials had closed the port.  No traffic going in or out including buses to take people to the airport.  Most of us were to catch flights out later that day but we didn’t know if we were going to get off the ship or not.  Do we phone and change flights to the following day and book hotels or do we wait and see if it lifts?  Most of our luggage had been packed and moved down the evening before, for easier disembarking.  Huh!  So no change of clothes, clean or otherwise.  We sit around, having not got a lot of sleep the night before what with the fog horn blasting all night and machinery clanging and grinding cuz the seas were also rough….windy with swells……not the worst of our trip ….and then rising early cuz we had “to vacate” the ship early so that they could clean it all up for the next set of passengers set to arrive as we were to leave.  Any ways, all the staff and officers were doing their best to help us all make our changes….changes that we could not do on line…….after noon when the wifi was programmed to shut down.  (Later they manually put it back on for us but by that time my call to Air Canada was made and had flights changed.  We were able to let those that were picking us up, know that we would not be arriving when scheduled).  The phone lines were jammed too with too many trying to call out.  We also couldn’t buy any drinks because the accounts were also closed in the morning.  Oh my!!!  Finally they made a decision to include free wine and beer for lunch.  Then at about 5 pm they opened the bars  to free drinks and the Grand Dining Room and Terrace Cafe to free wine and beer as well.  We still didn’t know at that time if this ship was ever going to pull up anchor and move into port but finally we were told that we were going to spend the night.  Shortly after we started our dinner, they announced that the pilot boats were coming out to decide whether we could sail into port.  When they arrived, they made the decision to come in.  It was recommended that we all just stay on board the ship otherwise once you leave you cannot return to the ship. We all crashed right after dinner.  We were all exhausted.  A very stressful day!  This morning, March the 5th, we cleared immigration and were on a bus leaving the port by 9:15…. on the way to the airport.  Our flight doesn’t leave until. 5:40 but there isn’t much you can do since it is several hours just to get there.  The “Excursions” desk had done some juggling to atleast offer a short trip into see the Forbidden city on the way to the airport for the day we were supposed to arrive but since we are going the following day, that was not an option because only so many people are permitted in there on any given day.  We arrive at the 5th Ring Road that goes around Beijing, at 11:15….2 hours after leaving the port. Still we are not at the airport.  It was almost noon before arriving..  The lineups are horrendously long but surprisingly enough go quite quickly. I am certainly glad though, that we were not trying for the 1:30 flight that some were scheduled on. The flight left pretty much on time…maybe a half hour late.  Big plane, a Boeing 777 full with I imagine about 6oo passengers.  I think I counted row 64 or 65 and there were 10 seats in a row…….3, 4 and 3.  Shortly after the plane left Beijing, I think we were over Siberia, the plane hit turbulence.  I mean like when you go over the top on a roller coast ride and the bottom drops out from under you and everyone screams involuntarily.  Let me tell you, the passengers all screamed ….involuntarily!  There was quite a bit on and off again but none quite as severe.  We arrived in Vancouver on time but again, all those people that were on that plane plus I don’t know how many other planes that had landed and so had to clear customs, immigration, yadda, yadda and then walk the gauntlet to the far ends of the earth to the catch the plane to Victoria arriving at the gate just as they were loading.  Oh thank God I didn’t miss it.  In Victoria we, Jeanette and I plus a few others were short half our checked luggage.  That was the icing on the cake.  But they did deliver it …….about 5 minutes after I finally hit the pillow and promptly asleep.    What a way to remember my birthday!

Back now in Victoria.  What a beautiful place we live in.  The sun was shining…..bonus!  And the trees and shrubs and daffodils are all blooming.  Wow!

Now that I am home and on “good” wifi, I will be posting pictures to this blog.  Stay tuned.