Mediterranean Cruise ~ Day 6 and 7, Crete, Greece and Last Day at Sea

Our last port on the cruise was Crete, Greece.  It was another beautiful day, so we were thrilled we had booked a beach day.  We spent about three hours at the Costa Costa Beach Club.  Funny story...I was chatting with my childhood friend, Sophia, on Facebook after we left the beach.  Her suggestion was that we try to go to Costa Costa Beach Club.  Seriously?!?!  What are the chances that in all of Crete, that is where we went.  Crazy!  She was right.  We really enjoyed it.  I wish we could have stayed all day.

They have always loved playing in the sand.

The entire three hours we were there, people kept asking us if we would like a massage.  Apparently, we looked really tense!

After the beach, the tour took us into town.  We were able to visit the market and eat gyros.  They were delicious.  

Then, it was back to the ship for the rest of the afternoon.

So long Greece!  We hope to see you again.

Friday night was formal night, but we booked a dinner at Chops Grill, which was an additional cost and worth every penny.  American beef....yes please!  I may have ordered an 18 oz porterhouse and eaten the whole thing...but I will never tell. 

Trying to get a nice picture of them.

Bahahahaha!

Obviously disgusted by her brother.

Had to throw in a picture of Mom and Dad.

I love this series of pictures.  I'm not sure what story Dad was telling, but their facial expressions are priceless!

LOVE!

 Saturday, our last day of the cruise, was spent at sea.  We had a full day of swimming and power tanning.

The ship captains paraded around the deck with their country flags.

Sailing between Sicily and Italy.

Volcano spotting!

Our last night before dinner.

We adored our servers.  They absolutely made our dining experience a highlight of the cruise.  I admit it....I cried when I left the dining room that night.  It's really amazing how quickly people can touch your heart.

 Some shots around the ship.

And, that concludes our first cruise.  We had the most terrific time.  I can't wait to book another one.  We are so thankful we had the opportunity to take this amazing trip.  One more day in Rome, and then it is back to reality.

Until next time,

Wendy

Mediterranean Cruise ~ Day 5, Ephesus, Turkey

Thursday morning we arrived in Turkey!  We loved this bustling port.  We headed to the Virgin Mary's house and the ancient city of Ephesus in the morning.  There would be time for shopping later in the day.

Good morning sunshine!

The ride to the Virgin Mary's house.  Don't they look thrilled?!  Ha!!

Olive trees around Mary's house.

Getting closer!  We had to wait in quite a line to see it.

Here it is!  The house was completely rebuilt on the site of the original structure.  

Here comes the security guard to tell us to hurry it up.

Once inside, the home is set up with an altar.  It was a very solemn and moving experience until some moron's woman's cell phone went off, and then she couldn't shut it off.  Geesh!  No pictures inside (of course.)

After leaving her home, you could light a candle and then collect holy water.  I was surprised by the people literally dousing themselves in the water.  And, some were soaking their babies under the faucet as well.  Interesting....

Messages and prayers left for the Virgin Mary

You can't visit Turkey without drinking Turkish coffee....well, I can.

Nice pinky ;)

After Mary's house, we were off to the city of Ephesus to see the ruins. 

The beautiful drive

The ancient city was spectacular.  

The Senate

For my friend Brandi, this is the symbol for the pharmacy.

Nike....so she is showing off her Nike shoes. 

Finally, a family pic (taken by a very nice American!)

Awesome mosaic tiles along the sides of the streets.

Bottom left corner...Do you think he's hot?  100 degrees!  That's HOT for folks who live in Belgium.

I loved the marble streets, but they were slippery!

The amazing Library of Celsus

Really amazing!

Even more amazing!

Beating the heat

Shopping everywhere!

Yummy food too!

After our tour and lunch, we were taken to an artisan who makes rugs.  You know, Turkey is known for their rugs.  We were able to watch this woman work on this handmade rug.

Impressive!

Then, the owner gives his speech about the rugs, and they lay out like 25 amazing rugs for you to ooh and ahh over.  He is sure to bring out the 50,000 euro rug, so when they trap you in a room by yourself to talk you into the 5,000 euro rug it doesn't sound so bad.  Chris Vastine...not a happy camper.  Needless to say, we left rug less.

The rest of the day was spent shopping and enjoying the city.

Of course, we stopped at Starbucks.

The various Turkish spellings of Allison.

I love this pic!  Gives you a little perspective on how massive these ships can be.

Back on deck.  Time for more sun.  It was glorious!

Hope to see you again one day, Turkey!

A beautiful evening at sea.

And, I leave you with my boys....wearing their frozen towel hats in Ephesus.  What a fabulous idea and one of Thomas's favorite parts of the tour.

Until next time,
Wendy