April 30

Just a feew random items today.
It's my last full day here on Santorini and it's a wonderful sunny morning.  The last few have been totally socked in with fog.  Hopefully the day will also be warm.  Maybe today I'll head over to the black sand beach.

Contrary to what most might think, the entire world was not mesmerized by the Royal Wedding.  I'm a few time zones ahead of Britain here so no middle of the night stuff was necessary.  I tried to find coverage on my TV with no luck.  I went down to reception to ask what channel I needed to be on.  The response was "Wedding?  Whose wedding?  Oh, that one...no, not on TV"    I found out later of course that there was coverage  for people with a satelite dish .   So, life went on as normal here yesterday.

Speaking of weddings.  I read an article a few days ago that the number of weddings in Japan has sky rocketed since the disasters of March 11th.   I found that interesting.  The "why wait" mentality of the situation is a bit like what happens during war times.  This wonderful Greek Island of Santorini is litterally teeming with young Japanese couples, presumably on their honeymoons.  That has been the case with the few that I have talked to.  They're easy to spot...they take pictures of everything including every bite of food they eat.   I've also met a few honeymooners from the US.  Santorini is very much like Niagra Falls for popularity for honeymoon trips.  

Yesterday I walked up to the top of the cable car (my apartment is near the top) .  Took the ride to the old port at the bottom.  And then....phew,  rode a donkey back up.  Very aromatic experience.  Yuk.  The trail is steps winding like a snake all the way back up.  Unfortunatly, I have no pictures of when I was actualy on the way up...I used my iphone and the photos won't transfer to this laptop.  I do have others of the donkeys but not from burroback.   (Directly from iphone to FB but only if I use data, no wifi on the trail)

 Later I took a bus to a place called Oia...world famous for it's sunsets.  I had been there the evening before for that but decided to return and explore around the town a bit in the daytime.   It was cloudy the previos night so Puerto Escondido still rates with me as number one for "Best Sunsets"    Local busses go everywhere and cost 1.6 Euros...a great deal.  That's about $2.  I had been warned by my friends on Aegina that Santorini would be very expensive compared to Aegina or Naxos...due to the tourists and honeymooners.  However, I am finding it very cheap, maybe because the high season doesn't start till mid May.  My apartment costs 40Euros a night.  at $1.35/1E  that's $54.  A beer at Murphy's Pub is 8E but everywhere else it's 3, even less at the grocery store.   Fancy restaurants are expensive but there are tons that arn't quite so fancy...and EVERYONE has a great view. 

I have my ticket and I am set to go.  I leave here at 10:30 Sunday morning and arrive at the Island of Naxos around noon.   I have an apartment there as well, named Anthony Suites...named after my first cat!  (inside joke)  

Till next time...giassou!

April 28. Santorini Greece

I have arrived at the island of Santorini.  A beautiful, unusual place...formed by the eruption of a volcano.  There are black sand beaches here as well as red and also white.  Today I am fogged in so will explore those beaches when and if the fog burns off.   The island is also famous for it's sunsets.  I wonder if any of them will surpass the sunsets from the roof of the BenZaa in Puerto Escondido. 

  I have a lovely little apartment here.  The photos show it...the entire square above the word Apartment is mine.  I have a bed-sit, a seperate kitchen and a fairly decent bathroom.  I have a view from all four sides but the best is the blue dome with the sea in the background.  The streets are all winding and narrow...and cobbled, so I'll be sure to watch my footing.   

There is a fairly large supermarket nearby, so having a kitchen, I headed off yesterday for a few necessities of life.  You know, wine, cheese, bread, coffee,  locally grown pistachios.   Interesting little aside, for every Euro spent you get savings stamps for good deals on Tupperware!  Get 20 stamps and get some really cool things for half price!  Yes Brenda, Anna, Cheryl and Pam....I will bring home the brochure with the prices!

I've been asked many times..."Aren't you afraid to travel alone?"  Well, to be honest it never crossed my mind to be afraid until I continued to be asked!  So, now that it has crossed my mind I have given it some thought.    Yes I'm afraid...not of being lonely, or being mugged, or being bored,  but of being alone in my room and chocking on something and having no one to pound my back or give me the heimlick manouver!   Or walking alone down a lonely trail or back road and having a heart attack or appendicitis, or sliiping and breaking a leg.  and having no one to rescue me..or worse yet...having someone rescue me and no one knowing who I am or who to call!   So, point taken...I no longer walk around without my hotel business card and my own card with emergency contact information.  Happy now Mom? 

It looks like te fog is begining to burn off.  Time to go for a long walk.   I REALLY need to burn off a few things myself....like thousands of calories consumed over Easter Week!! 

Till next time...see you on Facebook. 

Easter April 24 to April 27

Easter Sunday was, as promised a very YUMMY day.  After smelling everything cooking all day, the final dinner was as good as anticipated.  .  I've posted several photos onto Facebook...I'll see if I can get them to load here as well.  (Not always easy)  I think there were about 35 of us that sat down for this wonderful, very traditional Greek family style meal. 

And then...Monday!  A Danish Easter meal!  Lots of fish, including herring of course.  Another wonderful meal provided by the expertise of Pia , Rudolf and the three kids, from Denmark.  The finishing touch was an apple pie that was "to die for".  Yum.  

The number of languages being spoken during the week was amazing.  We had Greek, English, French,  and Danish.  I think everyone spoke some English (I was the only one with English as my mother tongue)  Danish family mentioned above spoke Danish, Greek and English.  Clair and Marco that live in Geneva Switzerland speak French to each other but also speak Greek and English.  A huge melting pot of a family.  And they made me feel like I was one of them.  They all even got me speaking some Greek  (I still don't know how to tell a taxi driver off though!  Hopefully I won't need to know that anymore!) 

Tuesday morning Irene and her daughter Kelli drove me to Aegina town and I caught a superfast boat to Athens.  Upon arrival I checked into the same hotel that I stayed in last week and then returned to the pier..a block away...to make arrangements for today's trip to Santorini.

Wednesday....Lugged my luggage through the rain this morning.  Where's a good valet when you need one??   Caught the "HighSpeed" run by Hellenic Seaways to Santorini. I arrived aqbout 1 PM.  It rained just about all the way here, and cleared up just as I arrivred.  I have a lovely little apartment overlooking the sea.  Then I went walking around town, did a bit of grocery shopping, then found a lovely little restaurant for a meal.  I met the cutest Japanes couple...married three days ago and here on their honeymoon.  They live near Tokyo and gave me lots of assurances that Kevin and family will be just fine in Osaka.    They pllayed "Melinda" and took pictures of all of the food they ordered.  I instantly knew they were Japanese by the little picture book of food they had with them....I remember that my daughter-in-law has one just like it!  

I took  a few photo today in Santorini but I'll wait to load them till next time.  (This is not fun...I don't know if it's bercause I'm using this little mini laptop or if it's the connection......but it's a chore. )

I have several more days here and will spend the time exploring.  It's a beautiful place! 

Sat AM April 23

Here's the schedule and menu for today and tomorrow.

Saturday - Resurrection Night
23:00 departure for the church in Aghia Marina
24:00 RESURRECTION  - light your candle with the "Holy Flame" sing "Christos Anesti" and drive back to Kavos Bay with lighterd candles
About 24:30 the Resurrection dinner is served and consists of
1) "Magiritsa"  a traditional Easter soup made with fresh vegetables, chopped lamb liver and intestines in egg-lemon sauce.

2)"Giouvariakia" a Greek beef meatball soup with herbs and rice in good stock, finished off with beaten eggs and fresh lemon juice.

3)  Red eggs, cheese pies, fresh goat cheese, wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee and Easter cookies.

Easter Sunday
After breakfast we will set the skewered lamb on the grill to start cooking.  The lamb needs at least 4 - 5 hours to be completely cooked.  Even though the grill keeps turning automatically, we all need to keep an eye and to take turns in smothering the lamb with the olive oil mix so it doesn't burn or become dry.
While the lamb is roasting, the men are barbecuing bits and pieces (sausages, pork ribs, chicken) just to munch on, with drinks in hand, while we wait for the lamb to cook..
When the lamb is completly cooked we all sit down to enjoy our "Easter Feast"  The lamb is served with green salads, different cheeses and "Pasticio" (macaroni/cheese/beef souffle)  Music and dancing to complete our day!

KALO PASCHA!!    ( Happy Easter)

All of the above is in the words of my hostess Irene.  Thanks Irene.
I will have my camera at the ready during all of this and will take photos when it is appropriate (probably not during church) .   The family has begun to arrive from Athens and elsewhere.  By this afternoon there will be grandmas, aunts, daughters, babies......oh, and some men as well, someone has to be here to be barbecuing all those yummy bits and pieces tomorrow! 

It's another beautiful Mediterranian day.

Along the trail from my "home" at Kavos Bay to Agia Marina

April 18 to 21. Barcelona to Aegina.

Monday morning....6 AM  "Wake up Mam Helen.!  Room service for last breakfast...time to go!!""  Ouch, my aching head.  A few of us table mates decided to party our last night away....I don't think any of us wanted to say goodbye!  It was time to end our 16 day cruise though, perhaps some of us will meet again someday, somewhere.
OK....so now...time to get up and get moving.  My expedited disembarkation time was for 7:15....and I made it!  Getting a cab to the airport was easier than expected so my airport arrival for my 10:45 flight was very early.  Flight was on time and and off to London I go for a few hours.  I do NOT like Easyjet.....luggage policy stinks...no legroom...and not even a glass of water is free.     I arrive at London Gatwick.  This has got to be the world's worst airport!  I've been in a few around the world and this one is just too confusing!  Especially if you have to change terminals...which I did.  A place to avoid in the future if at all possible!!   Maybe my huge hangover had something to do with my confusion??   Another on time flight but packed full and lots of noisy kids.  Oh well...that can never be helped.  I arrive at Athens airport.  It's 8:30 PM and there is no one there holding up a sign with my name on it!!   I head over to Airport Help Desk and the kind woman there phones my hotel yto find out where my driver is.  They forgot about me...someone will be there soon.  Sure enough...after about 15 minutes I have a ride.  I had opted to choose a hotel in Pireaus (the port city) so that the next morning would be easier.  HAH!
Tuesday Morning:    Ok..about 100 yards from the hotel....Gate 8, Alexandros Fast boat to Agia Marina on Aegina.....scheduled to leave at 9AM.   Oh oh...I get to the ticket booth...no boat this morning.  WHAT?  So, I wander down the pier.  I find a boat going to Souvala, also on the Island of Aegina.  So, I hop on.  An hour later I arrive in Souvala and try and find transport to Agia Marina.  An old fisherman on the wharf tells me (in broken sign language) that there is only one taxi in town and he is not here right now.  "Sit" he tells me with knarled fingers..."there is nothing but time. "   So, I sit.  After several minutes of nothing the old man of the sea pulls out a cell phone and makes a call.   And signals me that everything is being taken care of.  Ya?  Several more minutes go by of the two of us staring at the boats bobbing in the harbour....and he again makes a call.  This goes on for an hour.  Suddenly he gets all excited!  I'm guessing he found the taxi!  Yes, but the taxi driver does not want to go all the way to Agia Marina!  I have NO idea how far that might be, but I do know this is a fairly small island, just how far can it be?    Finally, the taxi actually shows up and we negotiate a 20 Euro fare...to my ultimate destination of Kavos Bay, near Agia Marina.  It turned out to be about a 10km ride.  New Greek word worth remembering...MALAKA..!!!  (Wanker!)
My friends at Kavos Bay were very surprised to see me....they had realized there was no boat and had been wondering just where I got to!  It's great to see Irene and Nikos and Antula again!  I made it!

Wednesday....nice sunny day but freezing cold!  I spent most of the day curled up on my balcony with a blanket and a book...and reading an email from a friend in London bragging that it was 27C there!  

Thursday Hot and sunny...hooray! Today I walked into Agia Marina.  Not a very long walk....about an hour along the edge of the water and over a few wooded goat trails.  I braced myself for this for several reasons.  This is the first place that I have come to on my own that was a very special part of a holiday that Tony and I did together.  None of the places that I went to in Mexico over this last winter count in quite that way....that was our home.  THIS was vacation together.  A special, romantic place.  We walked these cliffs and trails together 3 years ago and had a wonderful time creating some very special memories.  Memories that hit me today as I walked those trails, and then as I sat in "our" taverna sipping on a cool beer....and waiting for Tony to join me at the table.  I like to think that he did.  Cheers Tony my man.....I miss you.

Kalineekta......

April 16 Cartagena Spain

Two more days and the cruise will end. I will be happy to be getting on to the next leg of the journey.  The cruise has been wonderful.   But it’s time for it to end.   I’ve had fun.  I’ve met a lot of interesting people.  And I have been able to explore a few places that I have never been before. 

On this cruise I opted to actually take shore excursions.  When you are a couple it’s very easy not to do that and just explore on your own.  As a solo traveler it’s easier and nicer to take  some of the tours available.    I did do a few things on my own though.  In Cadiz I decided on our second day there to just get a ticket for the “Hop-on Hop-off” open top, double decker bus.  First time around I stayed on and listened to the taped tour.  Second time around I decided to hop off at Victoria Beach.  The sand was like pure white talcum powder.  Manouvering myself around all the bathers wearing almost nothing, I made my way to the water and for the first time ever…dipped my toes into the Atlantic Ocean.    It was cold!  I guess I’m used to the Pacific in Mexico…warm as bath water!     I then wandered the beach some more and ended up in the very elegant Victoria Hotel for lunch.    Back on to the bus…next stop a huge shopping mall.  I didn’t spend much time there as I can do that at home!

Yesterday in Gibraltar I took a cable car to the top of the rock.  Stunning view up there of Africa in one direction and Spain in the other.  Then went off and wandered in the siege tunnels for a short distance.   That part of the day I dedicated to Tony…he would have loved them nd the war history that created them.    There are hundreds of Barbary apes on the rock and everyone is told repeatedly not to touch them.  A fellow bus passenger just could not resist it..he tickled one….and got soundly bit on the arm.  The rest of us then had to wait  in the hospital parking lot while he was taken in for a tetanus shot.    I did get to go to the museum when we got back near the ship. 

Today, from Cartagena I went on a tour to a city caslled Murcia.  Inland about an hour.  While there we visited several churches, a cathedral, and a monastery.  Everyone is getting ready for big processions starting tomorrow on Palm Sunday, continuing all of next week up to Easter.    The processions will be wonderful I am sure.

After touring churches, temples and mosques around the world I felt that one day I would finally be churched out.  I think I hit that wall today.   No more tours that include cathedrals or temples!  Enough already!

I am on the New Amsterdam, the original Amsterdam was parked next to us today.  It has just done 110 of it’s around the world tour and is now headed home to Fort Lauderdale.  I talked to a lady on the pier that was from the other boat…it’s her second time around the world on that ship….I think she likes it!  It was interesting to see the two ships side by side…ours being the new big sister .

I haven’t been to too many of the night time shows.  However, last night was an Irish comedian from Belfast. I haven’t laughed that hard for a long time.   Tonight is the final formal night and an evening of death by chocolate. 

Tomorrow we wake up in Valencia.  I have nothing planned…other than I must pack for my departure the next day from Barcelona to Athens.  I am hoping I will be able to get it all back into that one carry-on bag!

Next entry will be from Greece.    See y’all there!

April 10. Sunday Love/Hate

April 10, 2011 Sunday

Today is the last of our 8 day stretch at sea.  We have one more sea day coming up on Tuesday, but other than that we will be in one port or another for the next 8 days.   The Atlantic has been very calm and the sky has been mostly blue. 

Here’s an example of some of the activities that have been available to keep us occupied.  Towel folding demo, flower arrangements, book club, bridge, computer courses, photo workshops,  numerous lectures on things ranging from global warming to acupuncture, a nightly show extravaganza, trivia challenges,  happy hour, dance lessons,  cooking classes, movies, Tai Chi, Yoga, Aquarobics and many other physical body conditioning pastimes to help ward off the effects of the daily caloric  enslaught.  In addition to all that there is the spa for facials, massages and all things super expensive. There’s a gym, a casino, a duty free shop, a jewelery store, and of course hot tubs and pools.  On Tuesday coming up we have a 5 mile..”On Deck for the Cure”  fund raising walk for breast cancer…hooray for Holland America.  (I will definitely be part of this…we even get wrist bands and T-shirts.  I wonder how many times we will have to circumnavigate the ship to do 5 miles. I’ll be thinking of all my wonderful family and friends that have been touched by this horrible disease) We have an exhuberant activities staff that make you tired just listening to them, therefore, we also have nap time!  Preferably on a lounge by the pool…I have a peeling nose to prove that it’s not a good idea to fall asleep for too long! 

Before I left home I had made the comment that as far as single cruising was concerned, I was either going to love it or hate it and that there was only one way to find out.  It was pointed out to me that there is a huge range between love and hate and to keep an open mind and maybe settle for somewhere in between.  My opinion after 8 days at sea?  On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being..I HATE it and will NEVER DO THIS AGAIN!  To 10 being…where do I sign up to live aboard forever ?  I’m willing to rate this between 6 and 7.   I have kept busy and I have also spent some alone time.  I have met some great people that I will probably keep in touch with.   Compared to the “independent  travel”  that was so much a part of our lives for the last dozen years or so?  Yes, I will cruise again.  An easy and very safe way for a woman alone to be able to travel.  But when this cruise ends I will again become my independent self for a few months.  I’d say I have discovered the best of both worlds. 

My eyes are fine.  The floating meds that were flying around like butterflies inside my eye for a few days are gone.   Ya.  

This internet connection has not got any cheaper (or faster)  in the last few days, so I will post this from shore somewhere in the next few days.  Tomorrow we arrive in Funchal on the Island of Madeira, which is part of Portugal.  I am taking an afternoon shore excursion  called Eira do Serrado and Basket Sleigh-Ride.  Apparently we go up into the mountains…and slide back down in a wicker sleigh.   I’ll take lots of photos and post them next week when I get to Greece (yeah…free wifi)   Tuesday we are at sea and then spend Wednesday and Thursday in Cadiz, Spain.  

Hasta luego mis amigos….love y’all!

April 5 and 6 Tablemates

April 5/6 Life on board

Does anyone really want to know anything about my other 7 tablemates?  And,  as it turns out, a few of which I am hanging out with?    As I previously mentioned there are 5 females and 3 males, all traveling solo.    Two people are from New York, one from Queens, one from Manhatten.   The one from Manhattrn spends most of his life cruising, including world cruises on the Queen Elizabeth.  When at home he is a live theatre buff and a ballet affectionado.  He’s an interesting man, has been to many many places and looks great in a tuxedo.    The lady from Queens?  I “picked her up” in the Ocean Bar the first night of the cruise….you know..…a happy hour drink before dinner…a “are you alone?  May I join you?”  kind of conversation.  Turned out we were destined to be tablemates.   The “Love of her Life” died several years ago and she has been traveling ever since.  A wonderful, very dynamic  lady.    Originally from the Bronx, now lives in Queens with her daughter.  She has a most interesting accent! 

One of “our” men is from Spain.  He loves to dance and is willing to be put to the test tonight…we are ALL going dancing.  He swears he can do the tango and the Pase  Double and as long as we are willing to be led, we can too!   He gives me the opportunity to use the Spanish that I know and is teaching me how to adapt to Castillian Spanish which I will need in Spain and is somewhat  different  than Latin American Spanish.  (Like French Canadian is different than French in France.)  He plays the violin!  Of the eight of us, 3 of us play the violin.  Now, to include myself in that number is somewhat of a joke, but include myself I will! 

The other violinist is a lady from New Mexico.  She has been a widow for about 20 months.  During the last year she cruised around the world with her son and is now on her first solo cruise.  She and I have a lot in common.   She’s vibrant, alive and a very confident solo cruiser.    She spent $1800 on her internet connection when she went around the world.   She likes to stay in touch!  She and I will likely remain friends.  She will be checking out Melinda’s “ Real Woman Travel”  blog.

One of our gentlemen lives in Fort Lauderdale,  Florida and is also well travelled.  He used to be a “gentleman host” on another cruise line.  Free cruises to men that not only CAN dance but are required to do so on a daily (well, evening..) basis.   Now he travels where and when he wants to and dances when the mood strikes!  He also looks great in a tux and will be joining our dance party tonight.   This is not quite the same as dancing under the palms, in the sand, oceanside in Puerto Escondido during the Puerto Blues Musicfest……but it’s fun just the same!

Who have I missed?  Oh yes…the lady from Maryland.  A ballet teacher that knows my cousin and is in awe of the fact that Anna Marie is my cousin.  She is appalled that I am  giving up  opening night of Anna Marie’s La Corsair at the Kennedy Center  tomorrow night in Washington DC to come on this cruise!   One just CAN NOT do everything! 

The one I’ve missed?  My fellow Canadian, a woman from Ontario that I have yet to sit next to and get to know.  I do know that she has always been single, has traveled extensively and is part of the CruiiseCritics.com community. 

And so, life for me continues to be interesting. 

April 3/4

The Westin Hotel-Fort Lauderdale was a wonderful hotel.  Super friendly, helpful staff and a super comfy bed.  As advertised, it really was like sleeping on a cloud.   Now that I am “flying solo” , being king size was a bit like overkill, but after traveling for about 18  hours, it was nice to be able to spread my wings!

About noon all of us in the hotel that were Holland/American bound were herded onto busses and transported to the Nieuw Amsterdam, that will be home for the next 15 days.

It’s a beautiful new ship doing her inauguration  cruise across the Atlantic to Barcelona, Spain.  My oceanview stateroom is more than adequate, with double glass doors to the outside instead of a small window.  The doors don’t open and there is no balcony, but having a wall of glass gives a feeling of far more space than there actually is.  For one person it is luxury.  I’ve decided to rejoice in a few things that are not possible when traveling with someone else…I get both closets to myself!!  And all of the space in the bathroom and cupboards is MINE!!   I really would prefer to have Tony with me…but I’m determined to enjoy the little pleasures  of aloneness to compensate for his absence. 

I requested the 8 PM seating for dinner (no kids) and asked to be included in a table for eight.  What an interesting group…all traveling solo.  5 females, 3 men.   2 Canadians, 1 Spanish and 5 Americans.   All well travelled, which made for an interesting “let’s get aquainted” first dinner together.  

Today I opted to sleep in and had a late breakfast.  Here’s a hint for solo travelers…if you are eating at a buffet…which on a cruise is breakfast and lunch and any other time of the day that strikes you, remember to take a sweater or something along to leave on your chair so that when you get up to get something else, it is obvious that you are coming back!  Otherwise you may just find your table cleared off and occupied by someone else.      Following breakfast I spent a few hours reading in the sun by the pool.  And then, more luxury.  A fabulous facial that made me look and feel many years younger!  And of course, I just had to purchase a few products to keep up the look!  The spa on this ship is absolutely first class….I’m quite sure I will spend more time there. 

The internet connection is very slow, and very expensive.  But I have bought enough minutes to last throughout the 15 days if I am frugal. ,   No Bejeweled Blitz or Lexulous for a while!   I am prewriting this in Word and will then connect, cut and paste onto the blog,,  download a few photos from my flashdrive,  then check email and Facebook to find out what all y’all are up to and disconnect…all in about 15 minutes per day, I hope! 

Night time…Monday April 4^th

OMG…the first of 4 formal nights on board!  Where do all these lovely men wearing tuxedo’s come from…and just where did they learn to dance like that?   A lovely evening full of beautiful people.  A meal of lobster and filet done to perfection. An extrodinary wine and fabulous company.   I could get used to this! 

Hasta luego, adios mis amigos. 

 

Day One

One flight down, two to go!   Here I sit in the Vancouver Airport for a few hours awaiting the next leg, which will take me to a two hour wait in Toronto before departing for Fort Lauderdale.   It is so nice that airports now give us easy access to wifi.  I just spent a while checking out  Real Woman Travel blog by my friend Melinda who left for France a few days ago.  Check it out, she has a great site.Real Woman Travel

I am so excited about this trip.  My first solo trip of any length.  I am missing my man, the world's greatest traveling companion....but I'm up for this.  And so I head out....just looking for adventure!  New places, old places, new friends, old friends.......bring it on!!!