Saturday, August 28, 2010
We Are Back in Venice
No more cruisin' the Mediterranean. We had a blast and can not wait to share our pics, videos, and stories from a wonderful vacation.
Since I am now hard wired to the Internet, I will upload a few pics from the cruise. Many more will be uploaded to our MobileMe gallery when we get back to the States tomorrow.
Ciao...
Since I am now hard wired to the Internet, I will upload a few pics from the cruise. Many more will be uploaded to our MobileMe gallery when we get back to the States tomorrow.
Ciao...
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
We Are in Asia!
Technically our stop in Turkey was on the Asia continent – a first for Lindsey and I. Turkey is most often thought of being a European country, even to it’s citizens, but geographically it is part of Asia. We learned this and a lot more from our tour guide on our bus from port city Izmir to Ephesus.
Parts of the ancient city of Ephesus date back to 7,000 B.C. The ancient ruins were incredible. More similar to walking The Forum in Rome than climbing the grandiose Acropolis in Athens where most structures are huge. Ephesus was an ancient town that was breathtaking to wander through and admire the centuries old ruins.
After touring Ephesus, we stopped into a Turkish Carpet Weaving School for a demonstration on how they make their famous rugs, carpets, and tapestry’s. It was very cool and the Turkish people are incredibly friendly. We found the people to be charming and helpful across the board during our day in Turkey.
But the highlight of our time in Turkey was purchasing a gorgeous Turkish runner for our entry way. Of course, we went with the premium angora wool and the design, feel, and colors are beautiful. I am not big on Oriental or Turkish designed rugs, but this runner is special. Very unique and obviously something Lindsey and I can cherish for the rest of our lives.
We are about to set sail back through the Greek Islands. I better get my camera ready!
Cheers!
Parts of the ancient city of Ephesus date back to 7,000 B.C. The ancient ruins were incredible. More similar to walking The Forum in Rome than climbing the grandiose Acropolis in Athens where most structures are huge. Ephesus was an ancient town that was breathtaking to wander through and admire the centuries old ruins.
After touring Ephesus, we stopped into a Turkish Carpet Weaving School for a demonstration on how they make their famous rugs, carpets, and tapestry’s. It was very cool and the Turkish people are incredibly friendly. We found the people to be charming and helpful across the board during our day in Turkey.
But the highlight of our time in Turkey was purchasing a gorgeous Turkish runner for our entry way. Of course, we went with the premium angora wool and the design, feel, and colors are beautiful. I am not big on Oriental or Turkish designed rugs, but this runner is special. Very unique and obviously something Lindsey and I can cherish for the rest of our lives.
We are about to set sail back through the Greek Islands. I better get my camera ready!
Cheers!
Ancient Athens
Today Lindsey and I explored ancient Athens. It was remarkable! Having walked through the ruins of Rome, I was very excited to see how Athens compared.
Although Rome is a much prettier and charming city, which ancient ruins are better is up for discussion. What is cool about the Acropolis in Athens is most of the ancient ruins are on a hill overlooking the city. The ruins in Rome are scattered throughout the city and often jump up next to you when you are not expecting them. I remember walking through Rome just admiring the skyline and then holy shit, the Colesium! Pretty neat.
The Internet on board is like dial up. I would post pictures, but it would take half and hour and cost me a small fortune each time I attached a pic : )
After seeing the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, etc... we ate lunch in the plaka and browsed many local shops for souvenirs and other must-haves. Remarkably I resisted the cheesy tourist tee-shirt!
After we got back on the ship, Lindsey and I relaxed at the spa, ate some great food, drank some great champagne, and enjoyed the voyage towards Turkey. Tomorrow morning we port in Izmir, Turkey and have an exciting excursion planned.
Good night!
Although Rome is a much prettier and charming city, which ancient ruins are better is up for discussion. What is cool about the Acropolis in Athens is most of the ancient ruins are on a hill overlooking the city. The ruins in Rome are scattered throughout the city and often jump up next to you when you are not expecting them. I remember walking through Rome just admiring the skyline and then holy shit, the Colesium! Pretty neat.
The Internet on board is like dial up. I would post pictures, but it would take half and hour and cost me a small fortune each time I attached a pic : )
After seeing the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, etc... we ate lunch in the plaka and browsed many local shops for souvenirs and other must-haves. Remarkably I resisted the cheesy tourist tee-shirt!
After we got back on the ship, Lindsey and I relaxed at the spa, ate some great food, drank some great champagne, and enjoyed the voyage towards Turkey. Tomorrow morning we port in Izmir, Turkey and have an exciting excursion planned.
Good night!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Out to Sea
We are on day three of our Mediterranean cruise and so far so good. Leaving Venice was so cool. We got to see the city from a whole new perspective – one of the highlights so far.
Today is a day at sea. Tomorrow AM we will port in Athens, Greece!
Yesterday was incredible. We went kayaking in the Adriatic Sea! It was absolutely gorgeous and the small town Dubrovnik, Croatia was stunning! After kayaking to a small cave where there was a beach, we went snorkeling in the cool deep blue Adriatic sea – something we never will forget.
Lindsey and I have been spending a lot of time at the spa. For $180 buckets during the entire 7 night cruise, you have access to private hot tubs, hydrotherapy pools, steam shower, sauna, and more. You also get to escape the crowds and relax in peace. Worth every penny so far and we still have 4 full days use of it : )
The food has been okay. We are still learning our way around this monster ship and last night we sort of figured it out. Our meal was very good and tonight’s should be even better at their signature steakhouse. Surprisingly the alcohol has been very well priced. I heard horror stories of how expensive it is, but beer in a 20 oz pilsner glass is just under $7 with the gratuity tacked on. I will pay that for a 16 oz pint in the Power in Light District!
Tomorrow should be amazing as we explore the ancient city of Athens. For some reason, Athens has always been a place I wanted to visit. Now I get that chance...
Today is a day at sea. Tomorrow AM we will port in Athens, Greece!
Yesterday was incredible. We went kayaking in the Adriatic Sea! It was absolutely gorgeous and the small town Dubrovnik, Croatia was stunning! After kayaking to a small cave where there was a beach, we went snorkeling in the cool deep blue Adriatic sea – something we never will forget.
Lindsey and I have been spending a lot of time at the spa. For $180 buckets during the entire 7 night cruise, you have access to private hot tubs, hydrotherapy pools, steam shower, sauna, and more. You also get to escape the crowds and relax in peace. Worth every penny so far and we still have 4 full days use of it : )
The food has been okay. We are still learning our way around this monster ship and last night we sort of figured it out. Our meal was very good and tonight’s should be even better at their signature steakhouse. Surprisingly the alcohol has been very well priced. I heard horror stories of how expensive it is, but beer in a 20 oz pilsner glass is just under $7 with the gratuity tacked on. I will pay that for a 16 oz pint in the Power in Light District!
Tomorrow should be amazing as we explore the ancient city of Athens. For some reason, Athens has always been a place I wanted to visit. Now I get that chance...
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Setting Sail Later Today From Venice
We are going to start heading to our cruise ship any minute. It sets sail at 5 PM sharp!
Lindsey and I have never been on a cruise and we are very excited - especially Lindsey. You know she loves the water!
Yesterday we had an incredible time in Venice. We walked around, shopped, saw some historic sights, ate some amazing Italian food, drank some great vino, and even had an infamous gandola ride. It was very peaceful and romantic - maybe the highlight of the day.
Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) was breathtaking just like the first time I saw it several years ago. Simply incredible! Check out our MobileMe gallery, but below are two of many pics we took of Piazza San Marco:
Okay, now we got to get out of here and head to the ship.
Ciao!
Lindsey and I have never been on a cruise and we are very excited - especially Lindsey. You know she loves the water!
Yesterday we had an incredible time in Venice. We walked around, shopped, saw some historic sights, ate some amazing Italian food, drank some great vino, and even had an infamous gandola ride. It was very peaceful and romantic - maybe the highlight of the day.
Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) was breathtaking just like the first time I saw it several years ago. Simply incredible! Check out our MobileMe gallery, but below are two of many pics we took of Piazza San Marco:
Okay, now we got to get out of here and head to the ship.
Ciao!
Venice Day 2 Pics Posted
Check them out - 298 of them - on our MobileMe Gallery!
http://gallery.me.com/ryanawiese/100219
http://gallery.me.com/ryanawiese/100219
Friday, August 20, 2010
Leaving the Hotel for the Day
We are off to explore Venice for the day. Hopefully we can find a nice trattoria for some pizza and pasta for lunch. St. Marks square is definitely on the to-do list. Everything else we will just wander into : )
Thursday, August 19, 2010
We Arrived Safely in Venice!
After a very long travel day, we arrived safely in Venice Thursday afternoon (morning in the states).
Our coach flight on Swiss Air was surprisingly pleasant. We were very impressed with the service, food, and even a TV on every head rest!
We took a public water bus to our hotel - the 5 star Molino Stucky Hilton - and it is very nice. Also better than what we expected. So far so good.
Lindsey was beat. See below. She normally is after long trips, especially transatlantic flights.
We decided to chill at the rooftop pool with panoramic views of Venice. It is gorgeous!
We had a few drinks, relaxed, and then got ready for a romantic dinner at the hotels flagship restaurant - Aromi.
Our dinner was incredible. Long. Romantic. Perfect weather. Great food. Amazing wine. It was a great first night in Venice!
Now, we are off to get some shut eye before a long day exploring Venezia!
Our coach flight on Swiss Air was surprisingly pleasant. We were very impressed with the service, food, and even a TV on every head rest!
We took a public water bus to our hotel - the 5 star Molino Stucky Hilton - and it is very nice. Also better than what we expected. So far so good.
Lindsey was beat. See below. She normally is after long trips, especially transatlantic flights.
We decided to chill at the rooftop pool with panoramic views of Venice. It is gorgeous!
We had a few drinks, relaxed, and then got ready for a romantic dinner at the hotels flagship restaurant - Aromi.
Our dinner was incredible. Long. Romantic. Perfect weather. Great food. Amazing wine. It was a great first night in Venice!
Now, we are off to get some shut eye before a long day exploring Venezia!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
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