Yesterday I showed rooflines; today I’m focusing on architectural embellishment. While I didn’t have a preference for the rooflines in San Sebastian or Amsterdam, Amsterdam wins hands down for embellishment. Dutch merchants wanted to show off their wealth. On many of their buildings there are gold adornments, sculptures, elaborate coats-of-arm or fancy trimmings. They liked cherubs and angels, heroic figures, … Read More
Athens, Greece – Day 2
The first time I visited Athens, in 1996, the Parthenon thrilled me, as did the Plaka, the statuary, and the overall vibe. The next time I visited, my enthusiasm had waned. Athens looked dirty, was hotter than hell on a bad day, the sky had a brownish tinge from pollution, and there were too many rude tourists. I love the … Read More
On Board the Oceania Vista
Early this afternoon I arrived at the port of Piraeus (Greece) to board the Oceania Vista. The size of the ship surprised me, though it shouldn’t have. My stateroom is on the tenth deck and there are six decks above me. The ship can accommodate 1,200 passengers. The ship is just over one year old and compared to other new … Read More
Santorini
Last night I slept better than I have in many nights—the gentle sound of the ship’s engines lulled me deep into dreamland. When I woke, we’d dropped anchor in Santorini, part of the Cycladic group of Greek islands. Santorini is a beautiful island. Well, it used to be a single island, now it is a semi-circle of islands. They were … Read More
Antalya, Turkey
This morning the ship docked at Antalya, the first port of call in Turkey. I haven’t been in Turkey since 1997, and when I visited, I never made it to Antalya. I’d been hoping to visit some of the historic sites, but the excursion desk staff talked me out of even attempting any of them. Visiting the sites would have … Read More
Bodrum, Türkiye
I’ve been told that Bodrum is the playground of wealthy Turks, Greeks, and other Europeans. Judging by the yachts in the area, it must be true. However, I never made it into Bodrum, just viewed it from the water. I took a tour on a “gulet,” a traditional two-masted wooden sailing vessel built and used in this area. While it … Read More
Kusadasi / Ephesus – Türkiye
In 1998 I came to Türkiye with two friends. After spending a few days in Istanbul, we rented a car and drove around the coastline. One of the most memorable places was Ephesus. While I’ve been to many ruins, few give the same feeling of entering into a living, breathing city where you can easily imagine the lives of the … Read More
Istanbul
Today I decided to hang out on the ship (the Oceanic Vista). We didn’t dock in Istanbul until 1 pm. Then, with most people off on excursions, I had the perfect opportunity to enjoy all the ship has to offer. I’ll be spending five days in Istanbul, so will have plenty of time to sightsee, and I’ve been here before. … Read More
Istanbul – Day 2
Disembarkation from the ship was swift and easy, especially since I had a wheelchair assist. That was a good thing, since it was about half a mile from the gangway to the taxi stand (including clearing immigration and claiming luggage). The taxi driver, Ali, introduced himself and then immediately started suggesting he could be my driver. He would take me … Read More
Istanbul – Day 4
If you aren’t hungry now, be prepared—this post will definitely whet your appetite. At 5 am I was woken by the call from the muezzin at a local mosque. A muezzin is a person appointed at a mosque to recite the call to prayer, which is announced five times a day. It is the signal for the faithful to stop … Read More