Monthly Archives: October 2012

Goal setting exercise. My “why”

“do the thing and you will get the energy to do the thing”

I live my life each day as I would climb a mountain.  I glance at the summit with my goal in mind and enjoy the journey and scenes as I take steps.  I climb slowly, steadily and enjoy each passing moment.

I am happy, healthy and wealthy. I make decisions and achieve my goals.  I love myself unconditionally, just as I am.  I love me, I am sorry, I forgive me, and I am grateful and thank me.

I  reach my goal of assisting 10 Diamonds in Univera.

I assist thousands of people to have richer more full and vibrant lives.

I assist countless young people and children to live their dreams, and I am a role model for mothers and grandmothers everywhere.

I am a world traveler.  I walk on cobblestones older than imagination; I take pictures of doorways and windows all through Europe and other exotic places; I dine gluten free and healthy in local establishments; I sleep in different countries in comfortable, clean beds and I spend my money supporting local markets, stores and merchants; I support and assist women to hold hands around the world, in solidarity, respect and love.

I am generous to people in need.

I spend quality time holding the hearts and traveling with my grandchildren, telling stories and writing books.

I feel the heat on my face, and the cobblestones under my feet.  I feel the gentle squeeze of my grandson’s hand as we cross the ancient roadway and head down another foreign alley to explore.  I smell the fragrance of freshly ground coffee and baked goods, pizza and pasta, olive oil and red wine, candle wax and flowers freshly sprayed and warm in the morning sun.

I paint my surroundings with watercolors and gift the paintings to loved ones.  I write blogs and turn the words into ebooks combining my travel stories with those of other adventurous women everywhere.

I want this; I really want it.   This is a good reason to replace my old habits with new ones.  My reason to do what I know I have to do.  My “why”.

I refuse to accept anything less.  I achieve that which I believe.  I radiate confidence and assurance.  I expect success and I receive results.  I am aware of my unlimited potential and how to develop and utilize it.  I am prepared and chance favors my prepared mind.  I become what I think because thoughts become things.  I believe in me and I reach my goals.

I can travel anywhere on vacation and I travel everywhere.  I return to the Mediterranean every year to enjoy the streets and sounds of Italy, and I cruise among the Greek islands annually to taste the ripe olives, drink the crisp sweet white wine and savor the local feta cheese.  I enjoy the greenery of the south of France and relax in the countryside; I volunteer to pick grapes on a vineyard.  I take a safari in Africa with a group of women on an adventure tour.  I enjoy a walkabout in the outback of Australia and sail around New Zealand.  I go to New York every year to enjoy the best of Broadway and sail the Transatlantic on Cunard to Southampton where I catch a train or coach to London to see the royal sights.  I travel around the British Isles, discover the old world and explore my roots.

I explore Asia, the south Pacific, Hawaii, the old south of USA and Russia.  I walk Hadrian’s wall and spend days contemplating on the great wall of China.  I explore old places where women have walked before me and I gain strength and inspiration from those feelings of walking where my grandmothers have walked before me.  I am in awe always of the ancient ones.

I buy hats, jewelry and scarves from foreign marketplaces and I leave money in the communities I travel to.  I am always be dressed my best, knowing I am meeting new people and I respect the sweet spot in a new relationship, always making a remarkable memorable first impression.  I take pictures with my mind and I write stories.

I paint with watercolor of the alleys, bright buildings and colorful flower gardens hanging from window boxes.  I look up at the bright night sky and marvel at the number of women who stood in this same place and wished upon a star for their loved one.  I am one of them now.

I have a scooter type motor vehicle to enjoy on warm sunny days.  For serious driving I have my convertible BMW white automobile.  The stereo is adjusted to listen to country music on long drives and also to inspirational speakers who motivate me and help me to achieve great heights.

I have a motor home van vehicle to travel across the country with my grandchildren.  I drive across at least once a year on our summer vacation to swim ocean to ocean.  All my vehicles are convertible, lots of leg room and a fantastic sounding stereo.  As well for rainy days in town I love my bright white Fiat with a black soft roof.

My homes include my small condo in Victoria BC, one in Halifax NS and a hotel room in Hawaii on the beach on Kauai.  I have a nice villa in the Cinque Terre in Italy and when I am not there, it is home to a housekeeper and her family.  When I come there to stay, we share the space and enjoy our time leisurely.  I return every year to a vineyard in the south of France to volunteer to pick grapes and they have a guest house ready for my arrival for a few weeks every year.

I love to have that penthouse stateroom on a Cunard and Oceania ship so I can join the cruise anytime and anywhere that suits me.  When I am not using the stateroom, it is used for other passengers, so it does not sit empty.  It is fun to offer it to members of my team and to single parent family headed by women, who write brilliantly and get a chance to win the experience of luxury travel.    I love to have a guest home at West Bay Marina in Victoria for weekend enjoyment to stay over, and for my friends and family who drop by to see me in Victoria BC.

I hold Blue Diamond rank in Univera with unlimited earning potential.  I receive between $50,000 and $100,000 per month in income as well as have my BMW paid for including the fuel and other maintenance fees.  I receive 2% of the company profits which soar higher every year.  I spend every day in service and assistance to all the Diamond associates (at least 10) by hosting webex and phone calls or being there in person.  We all travel together when we can.    I travel twice a month to my teams to assist and inspire their businesses.  I travel on cruises and with large groups of 30 people each time I am on vacation, having booked them all in my travel business as well, having my trips paid for as a result.

All who travel with me are involved in Univera either as loyal customers or business associates.  I am assisting the global community with bringing the best of nature to human kind.  All enjoy vibrant health and wealth that assists them to do great work in the world to reduce poverty and suffering.

HerWay Travel is a house hold name brand globally and has a following of millions of readers and contributors.  It is bigger in scope and significance than National Geographic and Oprah.  I share the profits with many women writers and artists as we join hands and work together for world peace.

 

 

Why did I become a Travel Consultant?

Why did I start this business? 

First let me tell you a little about who I am and my background and then, if you are still reading, how I came to be a Travel Consultant. 

I was raised in a family of loyal employees.  My father a government worker in the Armed Forces and my mother employed at colleges and universities in administration and management.  I moved around a great deal and never really knew or understood anything about business.  Certainly not home based businesses, and also did not really know people who owned their own business. 

I became a loyal employee as well, starting out with the Canadian Forces myself, and then government employee as a Probation Officer for the past 27 years.  I have also learned and contracted in some research and then started and ran a women’s shelter, victim assistance program, followed by being a part time executive director of a large social service agency.  I understand contracting, and union employees.  I know about deadlines and pressure and tend to see myself “applying” for work instead of “making” my own business success. 

That is my background.  I have personal interests and success in quilting, jewelry making, watercolor painting, weight loss, walking and writing.  I tend to favor and gravitate toward a strong women’s community and am at my best when I am in my bliss.   

Travel has always been part of my life, growing up with frequent moves across the country of Canada as well as a year in Europe, Germany to be specific.  My family camped and traveled internationally all my life, and I continue to enjoy long drives as well as flights to just about anywhere. 

As I near the end of my career with government and I think about possible retirement, I think about how much left I have to do and see, and how I want to get that accomplished. 

A few years ago I was remarried and enjoyed my first cruise across the ocean and around the Hawaiian Islands.  I was hooked on my first cruise.  I began searching and researching with a fever.  I was part of a cruise with 13 women to Mexico and started a Women’s Travel Club.  Ideas of where I wanted to go next, and next and my bucket list continued to grow.  I discovered a love to travel with friends and family, the more the merrier! 

One day as I was searching the net, I stumbled on a picture that I must have seen many times without registering.  A women, confident and happy, sitting on a deck chair on a cruise ship, with a portable computer on her lap, obviously working and living her dream.  I remember the thought, as the words formed, “I could do that”.  “Could I do that?”.  I pushed the button to request more information, had an interview with a brilliant business man, Jeremy, owner of Expedia CruiseShipCenters franchise in Victoria, BC Canada. 

He was enthusiastic and helpful, cautiously advising me that it may take a few years to really have a solid income doing this part time, from home.  I became a mobile travel consultant and have enjoyed immensely the journey from that date.  I have made it my work and purpose to travel all over the world, to fulfill my bucket list, and to help others do the same.   

I have also started another home based business to assist with financial commitment that goes along with travel and the goals I set for myself.  I travel on many different cruise lines, to many locations, and experience what I can of what there is.  I enjoy my meetup groups with women who also seek to travel.  I enjoy assisting and accompanying my family and friends to travel with me in a style that suits every budget and desire. 

I have found myself learning about doing business, by being in business.  I have much to learn and surround myself with brilliant business people and attend network opportunities to keep expanding my learning.  I take on line training and attend in person events when I can.  

The most significant learning takes place in the world, with people and in places I used to dream of and now have begun to experience. 

Thanks to all the lovely people in my life;  mentioned here and throughout my blog – who have joined my journey. 

Please add your comments to this blog, giving a testimonial or just letting me know you are here, with me, on the journey.

 Bon Voyage!

 

You can shop on my website 24/7 , this site is always open!!

— Pamela MacDonald

 

DREAM Vacation Specialist /
Cruise and Vacation Consultant

Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Victoria  

 

http://www.og7tkr.com
DREAM vacations come to LIFE!!

With so many travel options out there, it can be overwhelming.  Price is what you pay, VALUE is what you get.  I find amazing experiences that exceed your desire but not your budget.  CONTACT me today.

 

My business is built on referrals from happy travelers! 

 

39 Greek Goddess?

 

39 Greek goddess?

 
Let me set the scene.  Little sleep, hair disheveled.  Teeth have been brushed and lipstick applied.  No bars left to eat, and need water to mix up a PQ cafe latte for breakfast.  Last meal was in Rome by Spanish Steps, Caesar salad with small cubes of white chicken.  Flavorful and almost 12 hours ago.  Hunger has started to set in with no immediate relief in site.
 
Lulu lemon is my traveling clothing line of choice.  I have wonderful lightweight grey pants, black t shirt, white lulu jacket was further added as the evening wore on and cooler night air set in.  Then turquoise jacket added when woke up very cold on the metal seats, and a white loose jacket on top of that.  Leg Warner’s had also been added in the night and I will likely leave them on, under my pants but keeping me warm.  
 
Sandals on my very tired and sore feet from 12 hours of walking over cobblestones, up and down steps of Rome.  Rome in a day!  With a great tour guide we managed all the highlights and included a tour inside the colosseum and two meal stops for glass of wine and small local meal.  
 
I will say that I have a tan.  I got more sun a few days ago and so am starting to itch on my legs.  
 
Yes, I am coming home from my amazing, exhausting and exciting great Greek adventure.  With side trips to three ports in Turkey, an overnight in Venice, flight in to Athens, 8 ports of call in Greece, a total of 3 sea days, a travel day by train from Venice to Civitavecchia, and finally a full tour day walking Rome followed by an overnight in the airport.  
 
There was fog in Germany so planes were delayed and we had an extra landing and take off.  I departed at 645 am local time from Rome, landed somewhere in Germany, then Munich, somehow still made my connection to Frankfurt, which had also been delayed and ran to catch the plane to Vancouver.  Nine hours and forty minutes on the last leg of the flight …. I am awake now with two hours to go.  Then will have to get to the ferry terminal and am sending positive thoughts for my luggage to have kept up with me today.
 
As I have not pre ordered any gluten free meal through Lufthansa, I am grateful I brought PQ cafe latte protein drinks to help me through the flights home.  I am not hungry really, but find it a little inconvenient and they seem a bit stingy on giving me water, or cheese or salad.  I am managing.
 
Still have many hours before I arrive in my own bed in Victoria sometime later today.
 
Safe travels to all, love and light
 
Pam

38 out of order and in the airport

 

38 Good morning Roma Fiumicino Leonado da Vinci airport!  

 
It has been a few days since my last blog.  I some how got a cold and then other things were happening and here we are spending the night at the airport.  Yup, that is right.  At the time of my booking flights it seemed like a good idea and it was affordable.  Slept on metal chairs that luckily had the arms removed.
 
Steve, Marilyn, Alex and I spent the day yesterday in Rome together and then the night together at airport and now we have passed through security as soon as we could and nothing is open so we can’t get breakfast or water or anything like that.  Yes, sometimes that which is a challenge, makes us stronger.  And it always makes for a great story.
 
I think I slept some, as there were two arm rests gone from the seats where I perched.  And a table on the end so even with very long legs, I could stretch.  Metal seats don’t have much give however, so it was cold and hard, but off the floor.  When I awoke there were many more people peppered on the floor probably envying my resting place.  
 
Interesting place, an airport in the wee hours.  Quiet mostly, announcements periodically and waking wondering where the facilities were and how I could manage and not loose my spot.  I waited.  
 
And now we are seated, the four of us, on curved wooden seats outside my gate d4 and waiting for flights or something to open up.  I am in a hotspot and can check iMessage only but not other Internet wifi functions.  
 
It is 501 am.  I will now go back and reflect on the past few days since my last entry.  My feet are sore, I am on my way home, satisfied from the holiday buffet of my travels.  I am sure today will offer even more stories to tell.
 
I trust you are all well and happy, content with your life and the choices that brought you to your present circumstances.  Focus on the details as they will determine the outcome.  The decisions we make every moment of every day bring us to the place we sit right now, this time.  As I age, I hope I continue to get wiser.
 
Love to all
 
Pam
Xoxoxxoxo 
 
Ps.  We find a VIP lounge in the airport past security and realize that travelers who make the choice to sleep in airport seats are seldom the same individuals invited to be card carrying members of the VIP lounge.   This makes me smile.
 
Further exploration reveals a vending machine in the ladies washroom, for one euro, a chewable toothbrush.  Something like a gum, perhaps.  I have packed my own brush and paste and made it through security now.  That was another ordeal.  Wearing too much bling it seems causes the metal detector in the security area to be annoyed.  Repeated downsizing and I have passed to the other side!  No cafe’s are open, no water, no shops it seems open at this time of morning, prior to 530 am local time.  Beware.  A bird in the hand.  The grass is not always greener once you reach the other side.  
 
The decision to shop in duty free at the airport has once again been foiled.  I will go home having spent no money in duty free.

38 out of order and in the airport

 

38 Good morning Roma Fiumicino Leonado da Vinci airport!  

 
It has been a few days since my last blog.  I some how got a cold and then other things were happening and here we are spending the night at the airport.  Yup, that is right.  At the time of my booking flights it seemed like a good idea and it was affordable.  Slept on metal chairs that luckily had the arms removed.
 
Steve, Marilyn, Alex and I spent the day yesterday in Rome together and then the night together at airport and now we have passed through security as soon as we could and nothing is open so we can’t get breakfast or water or anything like that.  Yes, sometimes that which is a challenge, makes us stronger.  And it always makes for a great story.
 
I think I slept some, as there were two arm rests gone from the seats where I perched.  And a table on the end so even with very long legs, I could stretch.  Metal seats don’t have much give however, so it was cold and hard, but off the floor.  When I awoke there were many more people peppered on the floor probably envying my resting place.  
 
Interesting place, an airport in the wee hours.  Quiet mostly, announcements periodically and waking wondering where the facilities were and how I could manage and not loose my spot.  I waited.  
 
And now we are seated, the four of us, on curved wooden seats outside my gate d4 and waiting for flights or something to open up.  I am in a hotspot and can check iMessage only but not other Internet wifi functions.  
 
It is 501 am.  I will now go back and reflect on the past few days since my last entry.  My feet are sore, I am on my way home, satisfied from the holiday buffet of my travels.  I am sure today will offer even more stories to tell.
 
I trust you are all well and happy, content with your life and the choices that brought you to your present circumstances.  Focus on the details as they will determine the outcome.  The decisions we make every moment of every day bring us to the place we sit right now, this time.  As I age, I hope I continue to get wiser.
 
Love to all
 
Pam
Xoxoxxoxo 
 
Ps.  We find a VIP lounge in the airport past security and realize that travelers who make the choice to sleep in airport seats are seldom the same individuals invited to be card carrying members of the VIP lounge.   This makes me smile.
 
Further exploration reveals a vending machine in the ladies washroom, for one euro, a chewable toothbrush.  Something like a gum, perhaps.  I have packed my own brush and paste and made it through security now.  That was another ordeal.  Wearing too much bling it seems causes the metal detector in the security area to be annoyed.  Repeated downsizing and I have passed to the other side!  No cafe’s are open, no water, no shops it seems open at this time of morning, prior to 530 am local time.  Beware.  A bird in the hand.  The grass is not always greener once you reach the other side.  
 
The decision to shop in duty free at the airport has once again been foiled.  I will go home having spent no money in duty free.

37 Rome in a day

 

37 viva Roma …. Rome in a day

 
October 7, 2012, disembarkation and good byes.  We gather for breakfast in the Windjammer lido restaurant for a last meal with Sarah and Sergei before departing.  Already we are feeling the sadness creep in and wonder how long until we get to spend time with them again.  Packing is complete, some difficulty sleeping anticipating the trip ending and wondering about the things to do when I get home.
 
Stop, take a breath and be present to the day.  This day will be a full adventure ….  Roma!  Ahhhhhhh.  It has been just over a year since my last and first visit to Rome.  At that time there were 5 women traveling together and we spent two days covering all the major attractions.  This year, we have one day.  Steve has never been before and Marilyn and Alex will be our guides.
 
Sarah and Sergei decide to take the train with us to Rome to further extend our visit and time together.  They have earlier flights back to Moscow.  We take the cruise complimentary shuttle to the pier gates and with no taxis in sight, walk pulling our luggage to the train terminal at Civitavecchia.  The train is crowded and lease right away … We rush and we get on board, the last to get through the doors!  In fact, Steve struggles with his luggage and I run to get in another door so we are separated, but I know he is on the train.  I find a seat for three, and Marilyn and Alex and I get seated.  Steve and Sarah find us sometime on this regional train.  Frequent stops and blue skies, we get a good view of the landscape coming in to the city.  
 
Arriving at Roma Termini, we pull our luggage to the section of the station called “left luggage”.  Interesting choice of words, we have planned to check our bags so we can tour the city and this evening come back and make our way to the airport.  There is a long line and we join it.  We also pay the euro each to use the clean facilities.  Leaving my luggage seems like a leap of faith but one I am going to try on the recommendation of my friends.  Off we go to the metro and we say good bye and have last hugs with Sarah and Sergei as they make their way via shuttle to the airport and begin their journey home.
 
We start our one day tour of Rome at the colosseum.  Walking out of the metro station we see the sight ….  Huge, ancient and fantastic.  Historic Rome.  We decide to take an English speaking tour inside as it promises to get us through the line faster.  Tour starts at 1145 am.  We have already been on the move since before 6 am …..  So not exactly fresh, but very excited for the day.  
 
We take pictures and enjoy the sights.  What an impressive place and great views of other ruins from the heights.
 
Then we walk to the forum.  I have kept the Italian map of Rome so I can list the names of the sights we visited.  Arco di Constantino, Arco di Tito, Palatino, Circo Massimo, Santi Giovanni e Paolo are all around our first stop.  I know we walked to the Pantheon and St Peters Basilica, Trevi fountain and the Spanish steps.  We saw the Castel Saint Angelo, piazza del Popolo and the mausoleo Augusto.  We walked along the river taking in a few of the fabulous bridges and piazza del Tribunal.  Campa de Fiori, palazzo delle Esposizioni, Santa Maria Maggiore and Piazza Navona.  I won’t remember the names of the places but I remember the sights.
 
  We stopped for a light lunch outside The colosseum area and it was lovely.  A small glass of white wine, sparkling water, and some solid food.  We also had a meal around 6 ish at the Spanish steps area before deciding we had walked enough cobblestones and were done with the exploration.  We were all tired and sore when we stopped, exhausted and complete.
 
Rome is beautiful and to fully enjoy the sights, one should really give it a few extra days and take time to venture inside.  However, the way I travel, seems to lend itself to a day at a time in the special places and a commitment to return another time.  In Trevi fountain, we tossed a coin and this sealed our fate to return once again to this place!  A photo taken of our faces looking up to the perfect round opening atop the pantheon is a memory now repeated.  Taking extra time to enter the coliseum really was a highlight and with still fresh eyes on this trip.  I really enjoy the large piazza del Popolo and glad we made that walk.  The Spanish steps were just lighting up for the evening crowds and that was our plan for timing.  Nothing left undone and all satiated with Roman offerings.
 
Another day I will return.  
 
For now I have the map, the log, the pictures and my memories of the day.
 
Love to all from Roma.
 
Pam
Xoxoxxoxo 

36 sea day

 

36 sea day and birthday for my eldest daughter and Sarah 

 
I am writing this entry on my way home on the flight.  I can hardly remember the day now … So much has happened since.  When we stop to notice, much happens every day.  I do so hope my daughter had a wonderful day celebrating. 
 
We started with breakfast together on Saturday 6 October.  Steve and Sarah played a round of mini golf.  I had a seminar all morning and learned moe than I expected, more on that later.
 
We met at 1230 ish or lunch at Johnny Rockets, a kind of vintage fifties era lunch spot specialty restaurant aboard Royal Caribbean ships for those wanting American burgers, fries, onion rings, milkshakes, sundaes and floats.  Music is lively and we enjoy our time.  
 
I looked for Marilyn and Alex on the sun deck, however, decided to go lay down as I had somehow picked up some cold symptoms.  I also had not started to pack and so had a full day ahead, including dinner plans to celebrate the birthdays in Chops Grill specialty restaurant.  
 
Most of the afternoon I rested.  I packed, and I got ready for dinner.  Our reservation was for 630 pm and we were all delighted with the exceptional service and food quality that night.  It exceeded our expectations and I highly recommend the experience.  After dinner I completed our cruise feedback form, finished packing, set the alarm and off to bed, following the evening entertainment show finale.
 
As the evening closed on the day,our last on this cruise, I was reflective on the great time I had, the fabulous ports of call and great new relationships built.  Also I enjoyed very much traveling with friends and family and this was that kind of adventure.  
 
A bit sad that it is all over too soon, but recalling fondly the three weeks of exceptional travel experiences I have had, I am so grateful.  I would encourage any and every one I know to take advantage of opportunities that come along in life, to travel and see the world, especially with those people you love.  I find it rewarding and enriching, educational and full of emotion.  I am so grateful for the life I have created and for the opportunities that present,themselves to me.
 
All the best to you and I hope our paths cross and we get to travel together again very soon!
 
Love and Bon voyage, 
 
Pam
Xoxoxxoxo 

34 Chania Greece

 

34 Chania Crete Greece 

 
Pronounced hania, spelled a variety of ways including xania.  We happily greet the day in this lovely port of call, the last on the 7 day cruise with Royal Caribbean International, on Navigator of the Seas.  I am attending a Seminar at Sea through my work as a travel consultant so am enjoying the learning and adventure.
 
No tours or excursions booked, in fact, no research on this port and I know nothing about it.  We catch a city bus arranged by the cruise line to take us the six plus kms ( or miles?) in to the town.  Cost is 1.50 euro each person each way.  Seems like a good choice.  I had no idea it was so far from the pier, and happy with the standing room only on the bus.  Steve and I take the bus together.  Marilyn and Alex are already there and we plan to meet up at 10 am where the bus drops us off.  We arrive around 930 so wander a bit down some shopping streets.
 
Sarah and Sergei have decided to skip this port.  Exhaustion has set in for them and they decide to stay on the ship and relax for the day
 
Back on Chania, the 4 of us meet up.  We purchase some olive oil soaps and carry on the browsing and checking out the local wares.  We head slowly and steadily toward the water with intention to find the beach.  We have heard there are beautiful beaches on Crete and we are reluctant to return from our last port day without setting foot in the Mediterranean sea.
 
Steve is warm and also exhausted and heads back to find his way on the bus to the ship.  Marilyn, Alex and I keep walking along the lovely coastline, past a marina and a few restaurants headed for certain waterfront.  I recall there was a city bus transfer that takes folks to the beaches, but we keep walking toward our destination.  We pass beautiful sights, lighthouse perched on the end of the stone breakwater and many shops and cafe’s along the waterway.  Success at last greets us as we find the umbrella dotted sandy beach.  I hae forgotten to bring my bathing suit but the other two have theirs.  I roll up my pant legs and wade in to the crystal clear waters for refreshment.
 
Tiny sea fishes, seeming to be the same ones that I have witnessed nibbling on people’s feet who pay for this service in little spa service storefronts in some of the ports of call.  These same fishes nibble on feet here at he beach.  Interesting it is not something I care to experience.  I keep moving to avoid the encounter.  
 
We head on back to meet our bus transfer back to the ship, with an early disembarkation time of 230 pm today.  We arrive with lots of time to spare, grab a bit of lunch and head up or a swim and lay on the deck to watch the sail away.  
 
Last port on this cruise.  Windy on deck.  I am tired and when getting ready for late dining at Portofino restaurant, I start to sneeze.  I thought at first it was an allergy but later discovered it turn into  cold like symptoms.  
 
Dinner reservations for 830 pm for table of 6 was great food and slow service, and by 11 pm I was finished and headed back to my stateroom.

33 Kusadasi

 

33 Kusadasi Turkey

 
We had done some research before we left home and decided to take a shore trips excursion in Kusadasi for sight seeing Ephesus and other sights of this place.  It was such a great decision!  Sami was our tour guide, picked us up at 730 am in a Mercedes van.  Wew had leg room and comfort, just the 4 of us, Sami and the driver.
 
We started as the first guest at Mary’s house atop a hill.  It was peaceful cool and beautiful.  I was surprised and delighted.   We heard a few stories from our guide and were left to find a personal space and time to see what we wanted to see.  It was spectacular.  Had we not done this tour I would have missed this moment.  It was a highlight in a day full of highlights.  S
 
I took pictures, lit a candle and washed my face from the spring water.  It was personal and so lovely.  Off to the largest archeological sight in the world, Ephesus.  Several hours of climbing over marble steps and waiting for people to move so I could get a good picture.  I got to see Marilyn and Alex, as well as Mamey and Dan ….  Spectacular day.  Hot hot sun and treasure upon treasure.  Story after story.  Surprising and delightful all.  This is a must see for everyone.  I loved this port and the excursion.  It took my breath away.
 
After we went to another few sites, then a lovely lunch in an authentic Turkish cafe.  They had beer and I enjoyed a few bottles of cool water after such a hot walk for 5 hours!  
 
Then we walked to a Turkish carpet dealer who also demonstrated for us the making of Turkish carpets, both wool and silk.  We had a sales presentation and all enjoyed the beverages.  We narrowed it down to two lovely smaller carpets of high quality.  We did not agree on the same one so left them both.  I am ok with that decision but I think I would have enjoyed a carpet after all.  I now think I would research and maybe get one next time.  Kusadasi was magical as was the magic carpet ride.
 
Off to see the one column left from the pillars of Artemis.  Then a scenic route to a few of the lovely hotel districts for tourists.  I quite liked this town.
 
Back to the ship, as promised with about 40 minutes to spare.  I bought some pure olive oil soap.  I would have loved olive oil but that did not present itself.  I have been very restrained from making purchases.  Two tourist days left, Chania Crete in Greece and then a day in Rome on our own time before we go home.  
 
Everyone seems a bit tired, from the sun, from the late nights with the wine, and from the excitement of the sights and walking in historical and ancient times.
 
I would be happy to return to this place one day.
 
So wish you could be here.  I am always wanting my family and friends to have these experiences with me.  One day…..
 
Big love and a hug
 
Xoxoxox
 
The boarder of my favorite carpet had xoxoxxoxo all around.  It did seem to be speaking to me of the special adventures we might have together.  It seems that journey was short lived.  I am not taking the carpet home.