Santorini June 7, 2014

Santorini. June 7, 1014
This island now consisting of a large Calderon formed when this volcanic island exploded in an eruption somewhere around 2000 BC. We took the first tender from our ship at 8am to beat the crowd to the funicular (5 euros/person). Alternative access to the town of FERA are donkey or stairs. No crowds while we walked through the town. Next took the city bus for 1.6 euros each way to Oia for the most spectacular views of the white houses perched atop the cliffs.  We took a stop for coffee at a caffe overlooking the Aegean Sea. After walking further we ate moussaka and beer while Miriam had a no salt Greek salad. We sought out the one remaining wind mill on the island. Back to a long line of cruise people from the Celebrity Equinox to take the Funicular and then our tender back to our ship. Dinner and entertainment tonight was bases on the theme White Night in which everyone dressed in white clothing and we enjoyed a large buffet with about dish imaginable.  We were entertained first by folk dancers and musicians. Next was an evening of entertainment provided by the  the Voices from the previous night.  Lots of dancing

Chania Crete June 6, 2014

Chania, Crete June 6, 2014
Walked through part of the old city in order to rent a cat for a drive to two
 Monasteries, Agis Triada and Guvernato. The first one was magnificent with beautiful gardens and impressive hanging candle lanterns. A long winding road took us up a steep incline to the Guvernato which we found was closed on Fridays. No big loss since the monastery was under going major repairs. Back to Chania for a look at the inviting beaches on the south side of town. We stopped for a small lunch and were surprised afterwards to a serving of cake and the Greek liquor Raki, a potent drink tasting like grips. Spent the rest of the day walking through the winding streets of the town. A great post dinner variety show of dancers and singers capped off our evening.

Syracuse, Sicily June 4,2014

  Syracusa, Sicily June 4, 2014
Arrived in this ancient city with fascinating water front. The architecture reflects the numerous civilizations that have invaded and occupied this land, greeks, romans, Byzantines, turks, etc. We spent the day just exploring the curvey narrow streets, the churches, large piazza Duomo, fountains, and shops. Miriam bought a dress and I bought two bottles of our favorite Sicilian wine, one for John Fortner, Corvo Glicine. Churches and museums close early here so we did not get to the Greek theater which closed at 4pm in order to stage the Greek Tragedy. Walking back to the ship we witnessed local teams of young men playing a water polo match but using kayaks. Back on ship, using required local tender we prepared for dinner and the 9:45 performance by broadway singer. 

Pompeii June 3, 2014

June 3, 2014
We took a cab from Positano to Sorrento  to board our Azamara cruise ship. Met our friends, Myrna and Larry, for breakfast and to plan our day in Sorrento. We chose to take the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii and they went on to Herculanium. The ruins of Pompeii are much more extensive than we had imagined. Also, impressed by the city planning especially the provisions for pedestrians (I.e. pedestrians only, water flushes of the streets, elevated steps across the streets to avoid wet feet, one way streets). The city of twenty thousand was extremely well planned with a real cosmopolitan mix of rich and middle class. Back on our ship we had a late lunch at the Pool Grill, sandwiches and wine/beer included. Later at 8:30 we had dinner in the Window Restaurant.

Positano June 2,2014

Positano June 2, 2014
Today is our relaxtion day. After leisurely breakfast we went the beach below our hotel. Spoke to a local couple about politics and economy in Italy. Feedback is that he economy is still bad with a depressed housing market. We went for a cool swim, temperature can't be much above mid 60s On our way back along the sea walk we witnessed strange video being shot of a wedding couple fully clothed swimming in the water while a camera drone hovered over them. Next, their friends are fi lmed jumping into the water and moving them. Must be the latest thing in filming wedding events. We also have witnessed several Japanese wedding parties and photo shoots.  Early dinner of fish and Sicilian white wine. No fire works tonight even though it is Day of the Republic, a national holiday.Time for packing.

Amalfi and Rovello May 31, 2014

Amalfi May 31,2014

After breakfast on our hotel terrace we took the steep but short downhill walk to the fairy landing for a 40 minute boat ride to the town of Amalfi another quaint town built on the side of the steep slopes. Took a lengthy walk above the town following a stream to a dead end then returned for a trail along the coast to the town of Atrani, a much less developed area but with a nice rocky beach.  After a lunch of sandwich beer and gelato back in Amalfi, we caught the local bus for the very curvy and steep 40 minute ride to the elevated town of Ravello. The town is picturesque with an extensive multi acred Cimbrone Garden owned and renovated by a wealthy Brit in the early 1900s. A faster descent in our bus took us back to Amalfi. Wayne looked for the Emergency Shop looking for a pair of sun glasses at a reasonable price. No glasses available at stores here for less than $145. Too many people waiting for bus back to Positano so we took the ferry back for 8 euros. Steep uphill walk back to our hotel for shower and dinner where we were treated to live music. Finished the day with walk down to center of town.

Rome May 31, 2014

Rome May 31, 2014
Up early to catch our train/bus combo to Positano. Confusion about need to validate our down loaded tickets. Approached by "good Samaritan" who helped clarify our ticket and walked us to our cabin. Negotiated his "fee" down from 5 to 3 euros. A two hour train ride to Naples then an uncomfortable one hour local train ride to Sorrento. Waited for local bus to take us the final leg to Positano. Way too many people in the cue we get the last seats on the ocean side of the bus. Others are allowed on to stand for the half hour curvy ride to Positano. We are not sure what those left behind did since the next bus was not scheduled for another hour.

There are two stops in town. Following Rick Steve's advise we get off at the second, Espanda and purchase another ticket to ride the orange city bus to our  Hotel Montemare. A young lady with a cute baby helped us get off at the right spot.
After getting settled in our very nice accommodations we ate lunch on the balcony restaurant overlooking the hillside city below.  The food, local fish and a fabulous egg plant salad, makes the long trip seem worth it. Wayne suggested a nap before taking a walk. We woke up an hour later to the thunder of a rain shower, no opportunity to venture out. Spent time planning the next three days
Around 8 o'clock we ate dinner on the terrace while watching lightening out over the ocean. Food is excellent with our sharing seafood pasta and another order of the hot eggplant salad.
Observation:  In the train stations there is little information services available to give directions/clarification. "Good Samaritans" are available for a price to assist travelers. Negotiate before accepting their offer to help.