Entry 9. tend…

Entry 9. tender to Mytiline

We had a delightful breakfast with a lovely Australian couple who talked about a shore excursion they have booked for tomorrow in Istanbul. We took some time to get back to our spacious stateroom and a further consultation about the benefits of going on organized tour. Especially in Turkish ports. So we booked to attend the Blue Mosque, St Sophia and the Grand Bazaar which has over 4,000 booths. Wow, shopping Mecca! Can hardly wait … That is tomorrow. We also booked a lovely excursion for next week to see a winery, olive press and ancient processes. Lots of tasting is in store for us!
Today Plomari is the destination of choice. Birthplace of the very best ouzo. One of the oldest and first producer of Greece for this fine liquor. We will have to sample, to find out if their claim is in fact true. Penny and I are prepared to do this!

Entry 8. Mykonos memories

Entry 8. Mykonos memories

First day on Greek soil into the cruise. Wow, the town was lovely. Penny and I choose not to take an excursion in to Mykonos. We began with complimentary shuttle in to a parking lot along the sea. There were several groups forming for walking tours and buses … We started by claiming up. Up. Up. Steps and cobblestone narrow pathways …up toward the windmills that appear to not be in use anymore. The windmills are the hallmark card of this town. They stand solitary and about 5 stand together lining the top area with view of the sea.
Several times my breath catches in my chest, deep breath and take it in. We took pics on iPads and iPhones as we would find eye watering scenes of beauty. Whitewashed buildings, blue shutters and hanging vines heavy with fragrant flowers and bright colored plants. Steps with no railings almost too small for even child feet to use. Curious. Little shops dotted the back roads as if a market place.
We arrived early enough to be there before all the shops were open. And then as if by magic the areas that looked residential sprang forth to sell their wares for us, the one cruise ship to be docked this day. White linen and cotton clothing displayed proudly. Jewels adorned window glass, hats, shoes, scarves, gelato, souvenirs and artwork …. Dotted with some by upscale Louis Vitton, Chanel …. No real pattern. We wonder if the owners live in the back or upstairs? Very small grocery stores selling the bare necessities and wine .. Ouzo, bottled water, candy and other treats. Some veggies and flower kiosk type stores as well. Along the coast linked together as if all one, cafe, restaurants, pubs and eateries. Some seafood can be bought and it must be fresh.
We stop to watch a small local fisherman as he rinses clean his catch of the day and then hustles it off the a kitchen or two in the vicinity for enjoyment of the tourists, no doubt. We see a man early in the day walking with a dustpan and broom cleaning up debris, empty water bottles. We see him again and again and again as if he must be stalking us all day. He also drove a small scooter like truck which had on the back an area for him to place the recyclables and garbage. A very clean town for the most part, cleaner and so much smaller than Athens. This town is designed for tourism. The cobblestone streets and all the Buildings are painted in white, with spots of grey marble or painted colored shutters and doors. Many ornate doorknobs and tiny steps as if to nowhere. Stunning, uniquely Greek and so pleasant as an experience.
About 2 pm we stop by the sea in a cafe, Rouvera, where we have a small beverage and get the code for free wifi. We enjoy the pictures we took of the sights.
Highlights of the day included free beach combing with finding tiny treasures of brightly colored sea glass. This is apparently an locally overlooked richness and gift from the sea. We also made a purchase of a multi use cotton knit sweater wrap from Athens designer Joanna kourbela. Gold tan in color we each buy the same one, after a fun demonstration by a lovely polite and stunningly beautiful sales angel dressed all in white (the name of the store).
We came back to the ship to grab a wee lunch and donned our bathing suits and hit the pool deck. Yes, now we are enjoying all that cruising in the heat has to offer. It was not a scorcher day due to winds from the sea, howev, today I feel a slight color change on my face and arms.
Love to all, wish you were here!

entry 7. Mykonos

Entry 7. Sailing toward Mykonos
As Sheena once wrote to me from Sweden: let me set the stage….
Muggy grey skies. Sweet gentle sound of water being displaced by this majestic ship, Queen Elizabeth. Sitting on my balcony and seeing the whitewashed homes on steep slopes of the rugged island. Terraced land and dry vegetation as far as I can see. Another photo op on iPad. Dreams really do come true. Wish you were here!
Almost time for breakfast and going ashore. Penny slept in longer than me. I was up before 4 am so was writing and reading and then downstairs to check out Internet cafe.
Blue skies overhead promise great weather for the day. I have been cold as air conditioner is blowing in the room. Of course, I am always cold so I will layer for the day’s adventure on land. Today we will walk and explore a bit.
Mykonos looks just like the pictures. Peaceful and scenic. Flat top roofs, sandy beaches, yachts in the marina. I am excited to go on land and check out local culture of this Greek Island.
A lot of locals getting about with scooters and motorcycles, no helmets, and whizzing in and around where other small cars and larger work vans are stopping at lights. Several with extra passengers hanging on the back, or large packages getting ready for delivery. This was the scene in Athens. So now I get to see the similarities between the two cities. I see in the distance some scooters taking their drivers to destinations, likely the start of work day for many here at the port.

Entry 6. GGA. Cunard Service

Entry 6 GGA Cunard Service
I will be looking forward to more of the same fabulous quality I have learned in my on line training with Cunard line. We are part of the emergency drill with life jackets in the dining room. Then back to our rooms to partake of that sparkling gift as we dress for dinner.
Our bags arrive and Penny comments a few times on how impressed she is with how little luggage I have! Once again I am grateful for having had the time and courage to downsize. It is a new packing exercise for me and I feel I have graduated to the next level. Well done, me!
We meet our new dinner mates in a large oval table in the window. A table for 10 is delightfully prepared and we meet the waiter and m’aitre d who will look after all of my special dietary needs and more. One couple are residents of Texas and I am delighted to swap stories of cruises past and future. They are also dancers and are on the search for the best wooden dance floor. Later in the evening we take a moment to stop and watch their expertise and flowing movements as they spin and glide in graceful beauty.
Penny talks more to a couple celebrating 52 years of marriage. Our waiter and several more join in singing ‘let me call you sweetheart’ as the couple hold hands. Not a dry eye in the house. What a lovely experience to behold. Note to self, always have a special celebration party organized for people who book their vacations with me. Such a value added service of emotion and thoughtfulness. I am moved by the scene!

Entry 5. Gga

Entry 5 of the GGA (Great Greek Advenutre)
Off the plane and met by Cunard represent tatives for the transfer to the ship. A 45 minute drive by highway and through some of the city sights in Athens on route to the ship pier in Pireas.
Ships in the harbor NCL Jade, Ruby Princess and MSC Armonia as well as some local and regional ferries that no doubt connect the fabulous ports in Greece. The alphabet in Greek is unique and always had the comfort of English spelling for us tourists!
Penny was waiting when I arrived at the pier where cunard’s beautiful and newest ship was docked waiting for our arrival and embarkation. The process was not too onerous and within minutes we were boarding Penny’s first cruise. Although I have cruised many times, I am thrilled to be anticipating this great adventure aboard Cunard for my first time. Luxurious and very classy describe the decor.
The man who checks us in at the desk enquiries, “are you sisters?”. We laugh as this is the first time we had that question posed to us since we met sOme 43 years ago!
In our spacious balcony stateroom(we were upgraded a few times from our initial investment for an inside stateroom), was a lovely bottle of French champagne on ice. We learned to use our room keys to turn lights on. Our room steward Edwin is super helpful and seems keenly interested in making our stay extraordinary. Cruising is really about service. Cunard offers remarkable and understated, ever present service.

Entry 4 great Greek adventure

 

Entry 4 the great Greek adventure
Many gracious thanks to Joanne for the few days pre flight.  she picked me up from ferry and we had a super fun time preparing for my trip.  We ate out a Greek restaurant in preparation of what come next.  We re-packed my bags and downsized my items of need on the trip.  We enjoyed a great belly laugh.  Then she got me to the airport on time. I am so grateful!  
 
I recommend a book, Zero Limits by Joe Vitale for a life changing practice for every moment of living.  I love you. I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.
 
The first leg of the flight to Montreal was uneventful.  The folks sitting next to me did not speak english.  A mother and daughter team, both stunning beauties. The second leg from Montreal to Athens was a great adventure unto itself.
 
I met a fabulous and soulful man, Rick  S.  He is a world traveler and we shared story after great story of past experiences, great books to read, life long learning and encouragement for a future full of deep relationships.  I was so impressed and inspired with his knowledge, courage, success, willingness and straight honesty.  I do hope we keep in touch.  I would love to be in business or something with Rick.  I am so grateful for this heart communication and meeting a new friend.
 
      

Day 3. Great greek adventure

Day 3 of great Greek adventure. At Vancouver airport. Bit of traffic coming in this morning from chilliwack. But deb and Joanne and I practicing ho’oponopono cleared the way and bent time so no problems. Clear sailing and short lines in airport, no delays going through the lines and security. I am now sItting looking out the large window, sunshine and airplanes.
I love the airport. All airports actually. I am friendly and happy. Grateful and optimistic about my flight and the journey of love. Ebook to read on flight. I don’t see any power plug outlets to boost the iPad and kobo reader. I believe all is well however. How did I do this before technology? Meditation and happy thoughts. Maybe a movie? I have ebooks to read and audible is full of books for my listening pleasure. Inspiration is just a click away.
Love to all who helped me arrive to this day … Family friends, loved ones all. Wish you were here. Ttfn

Day 2 The Great Greek Adventure, packing stress is over

My brilliant friend, Joanne, met me at the ferry in Vancouver and as we drove to her lovely home in Chilliwack we talked about my packing stress! I was feeling frustrated, nervous and overwhelmed at the prospect of carting over 50 pounds of stuff around in a suitcase all over Italy ….. What have I got in that bag? Is the question over and over in my head.

Out for dinner with her good friend telling stories all evening, thoughts of shoes, scarves and a sore back kept rolling through my mind.

Today, Sunday and the eve of my trip, we went shopping. I found a stylish and classy, shiny sleek small dark suitcase with 4 wheels that can be pushed and pulled. Perfect!! I will make the stuff fit!! Then I purchased the lovely red overnight / computer bag on wheels that I have drooled over and checked out several times in Victoria before I left … but had not yet bought. Again, smaller and lighter weight, classy and big enough! Yes, I say with conviction! I can do this!

Several hours in the upstairs suite …. And by the way she is going to rent out the upstairs to some very lucky person ….. And out with the old, in with the new. We were relentless and sometimes Joanne had to hide away some of my “maybe” pile as we were brutal in selection. Do you really need this other pair of shoes ??? (Sian, you would so have appreciated this afternoon!!).

And this scarf is very similar to that scarf … how many pair of black tights do you need? Too many t shirts …

It is done. My bags are re packed and ready for the flight. I had called Lufthansa to confirm what I already knew in my bones. Their new policy for luggage weight and extra bags has recently been changed and carries a $100 to $150 price tag depending on the scenerio. We got out the scale and I am firmly and securely under the allowance and I can lift the bag without causing major back injury.

I feel the stress melt away in the heat of the suns rays pouring in the window of the upstairs bedroom where we have repacked the larger blue suitcase now almost as full as it was when I arrived, it seems.

I am ready. We spent a beautiful evening out for Greek dining, followed by google search of the ports of call I will be visiting on my cruises. We looked at islands in the sunset, cobblestone steps, white washed building with azure blue domes. Wine tours catch my attention and walks through ancient times. Meandering through narrow alley ways and stopping for a cool glass of something or other and drinking in the local culture. Santorini, Kusadasi, Izmir, Rhodes, Messina, Olympia, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Pireaus, Chania, Rome, Mykonos, Katakolon, Venice ….. ahhhhhhhhhhh

Great Greek Adventure, Leg 1

Day one of the Great Greek adventure. 15 Sept 2012

I got a ride to the BC Ferry walk on and am now on the first leg of my cruise. Ok – it is only a ferry but it is on water and reminds me a bit of embarkation on a real cruise…. sort of.

My packing stress continues. Tried to weight my bags to get on the ferry and it is too heavy! So I will need to repack and maybe send some stuff home to Steve ….. Just don’t get it!! How does this happen? I will have tonight and tomorrow to figure this out.

Ferry is not full, it is sunny and beautiful outside. I am on my way!! Tickets and passport, check. Euros and US dollars, check. Mastercard and travel protection information, check. New ipad, ebook, iphone and this old computer for writing my story (has a keyboard), check check check and check. Too many bags, check. Vouchers and Boarding passes, check.

I have some Univera products to help me with muscle strain from carrying my heavy bags!! Can’t wait to eat and drink contents so I won’t have to carry them in Venice to board the train. I may have too many clothes as well – will have to review the situation and repack later.

Completed some travel booking duties this morning, addressed 100 envelopes for Dream Voyage delivery to some awesome people. Dropped off some papers I can file when I get back in 3 weeks. Cleaned off my home office desk at home. Gathered up some belongings for my youngest daughter to come pick up on her way moving off the island. Emptied the garbage can in my room. Filed or deleted old emails from several email sites so they won’t clog up my phone ipad as I begin my travels.

Not sure how to use ipad yet and so last minute decision to bring this old faithful lap top / netbook computer for blogging and journaling and maybe writing my first ebook. The key board on the ipad is small and unfamiliar at this time. And my CruiseShipCenters business is not totally compatible with Apple products. I know I will be spending much time in airports and will want to have the right technology for the right purpose. Gee whiz, remember when we just took a camera? I am not complaining … just noticing.

I look forward to noticing as much as I can on this trip. Stop, take a photo in my mind of what is, try not to judge and make up stories about why, and let it go as the moment passes and new moment steps in to view.

Gentle enquiry as I meet people and wonder their story. Again, the task is to stay present, welcome the experience and stay in the “what is”.

I don’t feel totally prepared for this day. It seems a short time ago I was making the decision to make final payment and commit to the trip. And then time zipped by and here I am.

Day one, moment one … just noticing.