Thursday 27 June 2013 - Naples, Italy

sms from mum -
Doing Pompeli and Amalfi coastal drive today.

email -
So we are in 'Bella Napoli' and are going to see Pompeii and have a drive along Sorrento peninsula. I had breakfat at 6am to be ready for my bus which leaves at 7.30. Made sure all 3 batteries for my camera were charged, also my phone.

We set out along the motorway south of Naples, past Herculaneum and Pompeii and turned off towards Sorrento. The road hugged the side of the mountain and there was a drop down into the sea in many places, scary drivers! The road was narrow, two buses could pass with care, but then you get a couple of scooters scooting in between!! The whole bus held their breath. It happened again and again. Over on the other side of the peninsula it was worse. The road was higher up and carved into the mountain, in some places there were arches to hold the road up.

In Amalfi we stopped for lunch. Beautiful italian food, cannelloni with mozzarella and spinach, scalloppine with fresh salad, and gelato of course! We also had free time to explore and buy souvenirs etc. I walked with one of the gentlemen from my dinner table as his wife was not feeling well. A gelato, a big one, ended up in my tummy, very nice. They know how to make icecream here. we were thinking of a cup of coffee too, but ran out of time.

In Pompeii we were walking through the ruins. I was surprised at how tall the buildings were, 2-3 stories high. We could see the holes where the timber beams holding the floors were. Anything wood of course burned when Vesuvius erupted, or exploded. It is now 4000 feet high and it is thought it used to be 5 - 6000 feet before the explosion. So it was definitely a BIG one. Only ash was expelled, no lava, but enough to cover Pompeii with a layer 30 - 50 feet thick and buried everything. There were mosaic in places, the walls were painted, we could see images and carved decorations. In a few places the pavement was covered in marble. The stepping stones in the streets were used to avoid walking in the sewer which ran along some of the streets, we could see the tracks from the carriage wheels. It was very interesting to see.

Sorrento

Bakery - Pizza oven

Church in Amalfi

Fountain in Amalfi

Houses on top of each other

Pompeii

Stepping stones

Sunrise over Vesuvio

Arena in pompeii

this pic from google images

Tuesday 25 June 2013 - morning cruising through ANZAC Cove

email -

This morning we stopped in Anzac Cove. I went up early for breakfast to be ready for the service at 8am. The Princess Choir was singing. 142 passengers have been training, giving up their spare time, and they sing beautifully. After the Captain had finished the official part he informed us that the turks had not given permission to throw a wreath overboard at Anzac Cove "so we will do that later when we are outside turkish waters".

mums pics -

ANZAC service on deck

Princess choir

this pic from google images

Monday 24 June 2013 - Istanbul, Turkey

sms from mum -
Have just arrived in Istanbul.  I am booked on an afternoon city tour including the Topkapi Palace.

email from mum -
As we sailed into Istanbul we could see the Topkapi and the Hagia Sophia, built in 325 and originally a catholic Church of Holy Wisdom and converted to a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet. Talk about a busy port. There were ferries everywhere. Any time you looked, there were at least a half dozen ferries of various sorts crossing the harbour from the European to the Asian side and vice versa. As we came in a couple were blowing their horn; to greet us or in annoyance I am not sure.

The Topkapi Palace Museum was awesome. Beautiful mosaic tiles on the walls and ceilings. Gold ornaments everywhere, on walls and doorways. Ornately decorated fireplaces in all rooms. Originally there were also beautiful carpets. The person in charge of the Harem, the female section of the Palace, was the Sultan's mother. She was in charge of selecting his wives, he was allowed 4 official wives, but had also his concubines. There were about 400 female family members, children and 'ladies' living in this section. The Palace housed around 4000 people in all.

After the Palace a visit to the carpet store with demonstration of how they are made. Some carpets take up to 3 years to make. The silk are the slowest as the girl making it can only work for a short time before having a rest. The strings are very hard on her fingers. Wool carpets are faster to make, the lanolin lubricates the fingers and keeps them soft. They were all beautiful from dark red or blue to soft cream in colour.

A tour of Istanbul would not be right without visiting the Grand Bazaar. A covered bazaar with over 4000 store. Some only 2x3m. Lots of souvenir items, the Eyes in various forms from pea size to dinner plate size, both dark and light blue and some in other colours. I paired up with two other ladies and we stuck together only going straight in the main 'road' and turning back when our time was up. We did a bit of barganing so a couple of items followed us home. Altogether a great experience.

Mums pics

 Blue Mosque

decorated doorway

 

Gate to the Topkapi

Hagia Sophia

this pic from google images

Sunday 23 June 2013 - Mytilene, Greece

We arrived in Mytilene, Greece's third biggest island, and only 10 km from the Turkish coast. We anchored out in the bay as the harbour is not deep enough and used our tenders to take passengers in to shore. I stayed 'home' looking after things.

Mums pics

this pic from google images

Saturday 22 June 2013 - Athens, Greece (Piraeus)

sms from mum -
After lunch yesterday I booked a half day tour of Athens.  When I got back to my cabin after dinner and the show the tickets were on my bed for a different tour.  This morning I got up early at 5.30am and had 6am breakfast while waiting for the tour staff.  They fixed it up and I had a very nice day.

email from mum -
I did a City Drive and visit to the New Acropolis museum. The museum is build on top of ancient ruins as are many buildings in Athens. It stands on columns and in places has glass floors so you can see the escavations underneath.

The upper floor of the museum has the same dimensions as the Acropolis, it is huge, with columns at the same spacing as the real thing. Quite eerie being in a place replicating the ancient temple. Many beautiful statues. They were indeed very clever people in those days, all done manually. They sure knew their anatomy.

From the museum we walked up to the parking lot to catch our bus and take more photos on the way. There are a lot of restorations under way and many places have scaffolding up. We drove through the city to the Old Olympic Stadium, still used to light the torches for the Olympics before they are run to the city hosting the games. We also saw the former Royal Palace with guards outside with 'miniskirts' on. It is now used for government offices.

 Ruins under museum

 

 Former Royal Palace

 

Greek Guards

 

this pic from google images

Thursday 20 June 2013 - Jerusalem, Israel

sms from mum -
No tour today but my house arrest from my bug has been lifted.  Immigration has just arrived on board.  They are making house calls because of confinement. Other passengers went to immigration at the terminal.


this image from Google pics

Wednesday 19 June 2013 - Suez Canal Transit

sms from mum =
Just entered the Suez Canal so will head out on the deck to see if I can get a few photos.

sms a few hours later =
Have been sent back to my room as the bug has caught me again.  The ship Dr gave me some tablets and they will phone to keep an eye on me.  I get a special diet delivered to my room.  Not been able to get online (perhaps the satellite has the bug too!) I am having some quiet time reading instead.


A couple of pics by mum.
The market Gardens along the south side of Suez Canal.. There were towns and villages, mosques and guards  at regular intervals  A highway ran along the canal on the south side as well.  Who said it was sand, sand, and more sand.  The other side was much more sandy and hardly inhabited.

 

Monday 17 June 2013 - Aqaba, Jordan (Petra)

sms from mum =
Yes I have my two water bottles, we are just arriving in port at Aquaba harbour.

sms later in the day =
Petra was wonderful I am working on an email.

email from Mum =
We arrived in Aqaba, Jordans port city. Looks like a modern city today, nice wide roads, huge round-a-bouts, and modern buses. We had a 2 hour drive to Petra, from the sea high up in the mountain 1500m above sea level. Most of the time we travelled on the main highway toward Syria, then turned left onto the Kings Highway. We saw many wild camels along the road, also flocks of goats and their shepherds, mostly old men or young boys.

There were several Bedouin Camps along the road. They normally move twice a year, in spring and in autumn. The Bedouin camps were in the mountains near Petra. We saw several, with herds of goats with their minders nearby, and the wild camels were roaming along the road as well.

To reach Petra we had to travel down fairly steep roads, not very wide either although there was room for our bus and some trucks to pass. Imagine 30-40 min down Bulli Pass. We were let off the bus and then had to walk from there, first 1 km to the ticket office and gate, then steeper down to the entrance of the Siq. There were horses, horses with carts and donkeys available, these theoretically free with your ticket, but.... "a little extra from your heart?" (donations)

I decided to walk downhill as that was the easist. We could walk at our own pace, but tried to follow our guide who gave us information as we went. The Siq is 4-5 m wide, 200m high, a narrow passage between the walls. Quite amazing that no one got hurt with so many people walking, the horsemen galloping back and forth picking up fares and the carts trotting past. The donkeys were more sedate. There were lots of engravigs and tombs, part of the Siq had a water trough running along one of the walls. I got as far as the Tresury and decided I had enough, there was more to see, but it will have to wait for another time. I said hello to the Treasury Cat. A lady from my dining table fed him some cake and it disappeared quickly.

I took a number of photos on the way in, but needed to sit down and drink more water and have a rest before returning. I made good use of the benches along the Siq s we returned as did many others. Out of the Siq we had another rest. We were now out in the open and full sun and when I got an offer of a ride up to the top I gave in. It felt good sitting on a horse again. My heart may not have been as generous as my mate was hoping for, but...

When we arrived at the hotel lunch was ready, late lunch as it was around 3pm, and we had only water in the meantime. The food was quite good and we all got a free bottle of water. I saw several people ask for extra water. Before returning to the ship we had a little time for shopping, I got some fridge magnets and some cards which unfortunately I did not get a chance to post. I managed to post them in Ashdod after the people selling stamps were very late, people vere grumbling.

 

 

 



 Aqaba, Jordan (Petra)

The port of Aqaba has been an important strategic and commercial center for over three millennia. Originally called Elath, the home of the Edomites became in Roman times a trading center where goods from as far away as China found entry to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Today Aqaba is Jordan's only seaport, and the city serves as an intriguing gateway for travelers. In the surrounding desert lies the lost city of Petra - a city that may date to 6,000 B.C. - and Wadi Rum, where an English soldier mystic named T.E. Lawrence found his destiny as "Lawrence of Arabia."

Perched at the apex of the Gulf of Aqaba, Aqaba offers internationally renowned diving opportunities and the richest marine life in the entire Red Sea. The old fortress on the waterfront dates to the 14th-century.

this pic from google images

 



Sunday 16 June 2013 - Safaga, Egypt

sms from mum =
Having a relaxing day in port (no day trips) as I have been down with a bug the last day a half but much better now.  28 degrees which is quite reasonable after mid-thirties the last few days.


pic from google images

 

The port of Safaga has become a popular Egyptian seaside resort specializing in water sports and diving holidays. The unspoiled beaches and stiff breezes off the Red Sea made it the perfect site for the 1993 World Windsurfing Championships. But Safaga's real lure is being the gateway to Egypt's mighty and mysterious past, the great Temple of Karnak, the vast necropolis known as "The Valley of the Kings," the ruins of Luxor Temple, and Ramses II's great temple at Abu Simbel in Aswan.

Tuesday 11 June to 15 June 2013 - a few days at sea

(email and sms notes from mum )
Wednesday 12/6 -
SMS - having trouble getting online will try later.  Good day today, went to a gemstone talk and won the door prize a Tanzanite pendant so I had to buy a matching pair of ear rings.  Something to wear for the formal night.

Thursday 13/6 - Email - The last two days have been relaxing. I keep on with my cross stich, bowls and trivia with an occasional game of Bingo. Only won once so far. Tonight I need to dress up as we are having a formal night. I better try a nap to feel on top of things. When leaving the Dining room 3 ladies stopped me to have a look at my Tanzanite pendant I won as door prize. They were at the draw, but did not get to see it then.  Having a real good time.

Monday 10 Jun 2013 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Mums email =

We had a nice warm day in Dubai. Temperature the two days before was 42'c and 43'c, today we only had 37'c, much preferred by all. It was slightly overcast and very hazy.

We had a much better bus this time, a 2012 model from China and no hills to climb. Dubai is quite flat and mostly sandy. They are planting palm trees and flowers with drip irrigation, some places are nice and green. Our first stop was the Jumeira Mosque, a beautiful building. We only stopped for 5 minutes for photos. Then we went on to the beach where we could view the Burj Al Arab Hotel 321 meters tall and built like a sail.

After negotiating the traffic on the motorway we stopped at the Burj Khalifa, 828meters with 160 levels. The Observation platform is on level 124, it took the lift 58 seconds to reach it. Amazing views from there, other tall buildings look small. We could also see the racecourse, a desert version, covered in sand from end to end. As part of the Khalifa there were apartments and bungalows with water features and canals. Quite amazing what they have done in a few years. We also had a look at the mall under the Burj Khalifa. All sorts of wonderful boutiques, not inexpensive I think. After we were taken to Dubai Mall and had a walk through for kilometers I think. It is on 3 levels and has many exclusive boutiques. Tommy Hilfinger, Dior, Balenciaga, and many more. Beautiful to watch, but I was only looking.

I was nice to get back on board into the relative cool of the ship. I went to my cabin for a lay down, my feet tried to tell me they were tired. Not sure how many km we covered in the Dubai Mall in particular.

 

Jumeira Mosque

 

Dubai Trade Centre

 

Burj Khalifa

 

a view from the top

 

Leaving Dubai

 

Day Trip =
At The Top, Burj Khalifa - World's Tallest Building

There's nowhere on earth quite like Dubai. It offers the international visitor an intriguing mix of the old and the new, blending religion with consumerism, and modern architecture with ancient design. This exhilarating half-day narrated tour of the city is a wonderful introduction to this Middle Eastern potpourri, starting with a warm welcome from your guide and driver at Port Rashid.

 

Your first photo opportunity will be at the outstanding Jumeirah Mosque, one of the most photographed sites in Dubai, and a splendid example of Middle Eastern architecture. It is one of the few mosques in the UAE that is open to non-Muslims, and features baroque towers, minarets and an impressive dome. You will then head to the stunning Burj Al Arab Hotel, which is built in the shape of a towering sail and surely a sight to remember. This magnificent structure, which sits on a man-made island, is the tallest all-suite hotel over water at 321 meter high, and simply oozes opulence, luxury and breathtaking beauty. From here, you will continue your drive along the palm tree-lined roads to the wonderful Mall of the Emirates, home to Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. This extraordinary complex offers an amazing setting for year-round skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. Buoyed by the activity on offer here, you will then have a chance to get your adrenaline pumping with a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 2,680 feet. Here, you will take a high speed elevator to the observation deck on level 124, where floor-to ceiling glass walls provide breathtaking panoramic views of the city, desert and ocean sprawled beneath. Not for the faint-hearted, it is an experience not to be missed. After you have caught your breath, you may have some free time to wander through the magnificent Dubai Mall, to shop for gifts and souvenirs, before heading back to Port Rashid with a new perspective on Dubai etched in your mind forever.

 this pic from google images

 



  

 

 

 

 

 

Friday 7 June 2013 - Mumbai, India

Email from Mum -

Thursday 6 June 2013 - So are we on our way to Mumbai. The sea is up a bit with 5ft waves and a little wind, but nothing worrying. Today we are having pirate exercise. Yesterday I was in bed with a migraine only got up for dinner and a movie.

Friday 7 June 2013 - decided to stay on the ship today as I did a day trip of Mumbai last time and there was nothing that took my interest this time.

sea cam from seascanner.

 

 

sms from mum -

 

Saturday 8 June 2013 - Sea quite rough with 3.5mt waves and showers.  Our team just lost bowls.  I am getting ready for the formal dinner tonight

Sunday 2 June 2013 - Langkawi, Malaysia

email from mum =

In Langkawi our first visit was the Eagle Square.  We were allocated an old bus that rattled in the gears and could only walk up the hill, but we made it all the way. Here is a 52ft statue of an eagle that gave Langkawi its name. As we got there a shower came in and we ran for the bus after a couple of quick shots. Good thing the weather was warm it did not take long to dry up.

After a 20 min trip to the other side of the island we saw the Underwater World with more than 5000 types of aquatic life in more than 100 tanks of different sizes. There were flamingoes, sharks, fat eels and tiny pretty fish. A very popular place with many local visitors as well. There was also a Duty Free shop or shops selling nic naks, jewellery, grog and plush toys for the kids. Some beautiful earrings and necklaces made from various shell. I had left my money in the bus so nothing followed me home.

After the exercise this morning, I went to a lecture about Dubai. Poor man he talked non stop for just over an hour. I then had a nice lunch. Pomodoro ripiene (1/2 tomatoes filled with tuna flakes and cannelini beans) very nice, chicken ragu with pasta, for sweets, raspberry panna cotta with a cup of tea. After finishing lunch, I went to the movies, 007 Skywalk. Now I will send this and if time allows I will have a little Nanna nap.

 

 

 

DAY TOUR =

Underwater World, Mahsuri Tomb & Lagenda Park

Your tour begins as you board your motorcoach for a scenic drive to Princess Mahsuri Tomb. You'll witness idyllic beaches, pristine waters and lush greenery as you make your way around this exotic island.

You'll move from reality to legend as you visit the Princess Mahsuri Tomb, located about seven miles from the capital of Kuah. Langkawi's most famous legend is that of Mahsuri, a tragic tale of a young woman living on the island in the early 1800's. When she was executed in the rice paddies for her claimed adulterous acts, white blood is said to have seeped from her veins where she was stabbed with a keris (dagger) of her own family. With her last breath she cursed the island for seven generations. Langkawi faded into obscurity until it was proclaimed a duty-free island in 1987, exactly seven generations later. Before departing, you'll have an opportunity to shop for souvenirs and gifts

Next on your itinerary is Underwater World Langkawi which features the island's rich treasure trove of marine life. Located at the popular Cenang Beach, this aquarium features more than 5,000 types of aquatic life, exhibited in more than 100 tanks of different sizes. The highlight is a giant tank housing large marine species such as sharks, stringrays, moray eels and green turtles, with a 15-metre tunnel for visitors to walk through

The last stop on your tour is Lagenda Park, a scenic park with beautiful gardens of vivid local blooms, plants and fruit tree. The 50-acre park has been designed and landscaped with exhibits detailing myths and legends of the island. It houses 17 monumnets, each with an intriguing story to tell. Afterwards return to the ship.