Day 16. 30th June. Day in Venice, evening train to Roma

We started off wandering somewhat aimlessly and then got a Gondola ride. An obscenely expensive activity but something of a must do in Venice. It was lovely. The boat was beautiful and the Gondolier (driver) sang as we passed through the canals. He was the Gondolier who toured the Pope around Venice.

We stopped and got a cup of fruit each. I got pineapple and Raina got Melon (each of favorite fruits), a good cupful that cost only 1 Euro. Nice.

We saw the markets that apparently appear in the movie the Tourist, and stock some amazing things. One fish stall, has a marlin (sword fish) head on display, sword sticking up, it was massive.

Again we marveled at how everything here is water based, like garbage disposal trucks, police, builders doing construction work. Everything- it all has to be transported by water.

Then the train trip to Rome, corn corn corn, then wheat wheat wheat, then wine wine wine, the sunflowers sunflowers sunflowers. All the crops appear to be very confined to a geographical area.

To Hotel

We arrived late in Rome and really only got to walk from the train station and crash out at the hotel. Lots of walking today, and also running to make trains.

Odd thing. In Italy, they don’t give you doonas to sleep, only an awful scratchy blanket and the beds are rock hard. Both hotels were pretty identical in this respect. 

Day 24 July 8th - Chania, Crete.

^{Chania  (Pronounced Hania) Crete, Greece.}

^{Today we had no tours planned and no destination in mind, except to get away from the port. There was a shuttle bus awaiting us, at least we think it was a bus, but a bus unlike any we had ever seen before, or since. It was close to the width of two buses and was a push-me-pull-you. It had a steering wheel and driver’s seat at both ends, we never did find out why a normal bus would not suffice. In any case it was the cheapest transport of our entire trip, at 3 Euro each.}

^{This ‘bus’ took us away from the port and into the actual town of Chania. We only had to walk a little way to get away from the cruise ship tourist trap part of the town. It was a gorgeous little town of cute buildings, quiet streets and a sunny warmth that soaked right in without being uncomfortable (assuming you were dressed cooly).}

^{As we turned a corner Raina commented on a building that indicated itself to be a ‘fish spa’. She wondered if that meant you took your fish here for a relaxing day. We then realized that it was a food spa where you submerge your feet in a fish tank and a lot of little fish nibble at your feet. Cleaning away the dead skin and increasing the circulation on the skin surface. We were definitely up for it.  So ahead we went. Passers by kept stopping and looking at us in wonderment, amazed at the prospect. We were having a blast and the lady let us stay longer then the allocated time because we were such good advertising. It tickled a bit but not in a bad way. And for the rest of the day, our feet felt amazing.}

^{We strolled the markets, which were lovely, but nothing compared to Athens and Sarah bought some more jewelry. Down by the shore was a beautiful little bay, with a strong WW11 history. The area was lined with restaurants spilling out into the walkway under verandas.  The matre’des were some of the friendliest people you could hope to meet, encouraging you to come into their establishment, but without being pushy. They would call at you as you passed by. They had no problem letting you use the bathroom even without eating there.}

^{Also down here were a few boats selling rides around the coast and snorkel trips. We decided to go on one and set off. The boat ride was pleasant in this glorious weather and dazzling views. The camera was out and in action for the entire trip, everything was so pretty.}

^{We eventually reached a spot to stop and get in to have a swim. We couldn’t wait to get in and grabbed a mask and snorkel each. Unfortunately there was only one pair of fins available (after about three other people grabbed theirs first) so we made do with one each. The water was not as warm as it looked but still magnificent. Not so much to look at however, a few little grey fish and one sea urchin. But we had fun, because we were swimming in the Aegean Sea.}

^{After our boat trip we sat at a restaurant on the shore and ate some classic Greek food and Sarah had another of those odd iced coffee drinks and Raina her iced chocolate. While we were dinning and enjoying the buskers with their piano accordions, which the matre’de would tip a few coins to keep them around, a man with a pile of pirated DVDs came to our table. Sarah had a flick through them, half interested. Films like Thor, Iron Man, Inception, Harry Potter…and…that one about the woman and the Labrador, on the bed, “My eyes, my eyes, my eyes!!!!!!!!” Sarah was most horrified to have her eyes scarred with the images she saw on some of these DVD covers. After the matre’de chased him away it went back to being a lovely afternoon.}

^{We wandered back towards the bus (like creature) and got lost in some charming little streets. In one that was covered in plants growing on the walls was a man sleeping on a chair next to a Vespa scooter and a sleeping cat.} 

^{We walked up a hill and looked at the view of the town and marveled at the picturesque quaintness. Then we found a gypsy lady taking photos in front of a spectacular view of people holding her pet snake. Sarah, the great snake lover jumped at this chance.  Then back to the ship for a nap. Sarah went and played a round of putt-putt golf with a guy from New Jersey - an Irish/Italian Catholic from New Jersey. Awesome.}

^{Being the last night before an at-sea-day this was bound to be a big party night. It was also Quest night. The adult game show. Which eventuated in Sarah bent over in compromising positions in front of about one thousand people. Oh dear.}

Then to the bar and club, the night of course ended up in the hot tubs, until one fool dropped his glass in the water smashing it and we all got locked out of the big spa. But the little one would do, so about twenty people packed into the small spa. 

Sarah had to be educated by the Florida-Boys on the vast difference between a “Fiesta fowl” and a “Siesta fowl”, as she was chanting. Sarah made it home to bed somewhere a little after six am. On her way home a number of people comment to her that it was god to see a young person up and exercising early.

Day 23 . 7th July. Ephases, Turkiye

Another fun early start for Kadusia, Turkey. Getting off ship at 7:45 as soon as the gates open. Today our driver/guide was actually there waiting for us with a neat little sign. (unlike Mario in Sicily who ditched us) and it tuned out that our driver/guide was actually a driver and a guide. Just for the two of us. The guide stayed with us all day and was a very cool guy. The driver didn’t have much English but seemed nice enough, we only saw him when we were in the car though.

Now a few things about “Turkey” for a start it is not called Turkey. It is called Turkiye (pronounced - Turrrr-Kaye-A) Remember to roll the Rs. It pisses me off so much how English Europeans re name everything. Rome is Roma, Venice in Venizai, Naples in Napolli and it goes on and on. So I will always – now that I know this – try to remember to call it Turkiye.

Turkiye is stunning; I was totally blown away with how beautiful it is. And so clean. I was expecting it to be a bit more like India or at least like Greece or much of Italy. But it is actually really clean. And I don’t mean that I expected there to be rubbish and filth everywhere but I expected at least dust. But it isn’t like that at all. Admittedly this is something I found nearly disappointing, I love that slightly dirty feel to a place. But Turkiye is beautiful in a different sort of way.

My god it was hot. Even hotter then Athens

We went to the ancient city of Ephesus, which are the best ruins I have ever seen. Even better then Pompeii I think. It is originally a Greek settlement that was expanded by the Romans. So you get to see both ancient Greek and Roman ruins all in one. We saw houses, market places, shops, roads, plumbing, the Baths, a brothel, toilets. The toilets were so cool. They are all on one big room together and made of stone. The people would sit together and do their business while chatting and possibly making important political decisions and other discussions.  This is where the saying "cheek to cheek" is said to have originated. :P

The highlight of this massive city though is the Terrace Houses. These were discovered only relatively recently and are beautifully preserved. Over it has been built a large roof to further preserve the site because there are mosaics and wall paintings that need to be protected. There are teams of archaeologists working on it and putting together painstaking puzzles to piece marble lined rooms back together with the marble in the correct place.

The most amazing feature of this place? In floor and in wall heating! That is right. The Ancient romans ran heated and cooled piped through there walls and floors to control the climate. A-Maze-Ing.

It was cool to hear that our guide as a kid used to pump water from a well for tourists for tips here. 

Then we went to a Turkish rug factory, this is something that in or research a lot of people had said to stear clear of. But I can’t imagine why. We got to see the silk processing methods from the silk worm cocoons and how they are boiled and spun. Then how the silk is refined. Then how the silk rugs are made. A painstaking effort. Turkish rugs are the only ones in the world that use the double knot technique. This means that there are double the threads of any other rug, Persian, Indian, Chinese etc.

I will come back to this and add some facts about the knots per square meter and the time it takes to make a rug once I have re-checked the facts.  Some I do remember off the top of my head though are that the women who make the rugs can work no more then 15 minutes at a time and no more then two hours a day. The focus required is that intense and detailed. There was one rug though that was about two meters by 3 meters that took 9 years to make. 9 years.

Interestingly, the Navajo people of Northern America are influenced culturally by the Turkish, and similar patterns can be seen in their rug designs.

A man and two assistants came and gave us (and just us, no others) an extensive tour of the place and demonstrated probably 50 rugs for us. He was really good for making it clear that we weren’t expected to purchase and that that was fine. As per Turkish tradition we were given drinks. I had a Turkish coffee and an alcohol drink Raki, it is a bit like Ouzo except so much stronger. The stuff doesn’t burn like vodka does but it does send tingles and flushes through your entire body with each sip (and I mean tiny little sip).  I drank about three centermetres of a shot glass and started to feel a bit dizzy. Strong stuff. The coffee also is strong stuff, can’t say I like it. It is so thick and strong tasting and made my teeth a disgusting colour with each sip. I think I'll stick to Italian.

We were in a big open room with bench seating around the edges and the two assistants would bring out a rug and roll it out theatrically. Then to show the shimmer quality of the silk and wool they would deftly twirl the whole thing around and the colour would completely change on the different angle. I suspect this may be where the term magic carpet may have come from. It truly was magical.

Now I did say that the man was not at all pushy that we should buy a rug, but the more we saw the more it seemed it these things are so special we needed one. So we got two. :P The second was thrown in at the last minute as a deal sweetener. Only small ones that we ill hang on the wall.

We went to a gorgeous restaurant for lunch and had some really good food, so nicely spiced. Then we went to St John’s Basilica another great ruin, which houses the tomb of John the Apostle. Also there is a tunnel, which once was a vent in the site for an oracle. So a volcanic vent or something that may have leaked noxious gas that caused one to hallucinate and go into a trance like state. Trippin’

Next we went to the Temple of Artimus. This is one of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World. Pretty cool. A lot of people complain that there is no enough left of the Temple or Artemis, but for god’s sake it is THOUSANDS OF YEARS OLD and still there is a column standing upright. With a big ol’ stalks nest full of nearly grown chicks atop it.

I forgot to mention the cats. There are cats everywhere at the ruins. Our guide takes in bottles of water and pour some into depressions in the stones so the cats can drink it. Some saw him and recognized him and came running. But another guide brings food and they all ran right to him when they saw him, then fought each other for the food he tipped out. It was so funny, they hissed and spat and scratched. Everyone was watching too, lol.

We got back to the ship and Raina went for a nap but I decided I didn’t need one so went to the library and was typing a bit. When I fell asleep right there in the library with the lap top open, I reconsidered this ruling and dragged myself up to my room and had a proper nap.

The night’s entertainment was a variety show with circus performer from Russia who did things no human should be able to do. Like the chick did a handstand on the dudes arm which he held out at a right angle to his body. They did ribbon climbing and this amazing dance with a giant metal frame that they would twirl and it would catch the light. It was transfixing. The second half was a 7^th generation French juggler who spent half the time ragging on Yanks. He was so funny. He kept trying to find a non-American to pull up on stage, he mostly wanted to find an Italian but anything but American would do. He picked out one American teenager in the crowd and kept referring to him throughout the show. “Oh I love teenagers (heavy in the sarcasm). ENTERTAIN ME!!!” lol. He was an amazing juggler. Scary good.

I went out again, into the wee hours again. The group is growing, we gain strength. Our time will come.

Day 22. 6th July. Athens

The plan for today was to get up early and off the ship as soon as possible to catch a taxi directly to the Acropolis to beat the crowds and beat the heat. Unfortunately – as you may be aware – Greece is in the middle of a major financial crisis and as a result is having major strikes. Today’s strike was the taxis. So scratch that plan. We started walking (the minimum 20 min walk) to the metro station and were, to be honest, starting to dread the trauma that the day may have been turning into.

Just then a man in a yellow car pulled up and asked if we wanted a taxi. We jumped at that opportunity and got in the car. After a minute or so the vision of us being whisked into an underground car park never to be seen again did occur to me, but as I am writing this we must have survived.

Immanuel, was braving the scorn (and potential danger) of working despite the strike. I think it is very unfair for there to be any pressure on those who wish to work, after all, the country is in a terrible situation which means the individuals are too. Immanuel was a single dad with a son and needed the money I gather. So him, guarded by his hat and sunnies and the agreement that we were second cousins of his cousin George visiting from Australia, we set out for the day. :P

We go the Acropolis and I do believe it is a good sign that you may have been successful in avoiding the crowds when they are hosing down the footpaths and stairs for the day ahead. Especially when the stairs a deadly slippery marble. I doubt they would open themselves to that kind of liability if they were expecting droves of people at that time. It was looking very good.

Raina, in her obsessive researching had found that you should arrive BEFORE opening time and to bring shade and water.We were among the first twenty people through the gates. The climb that had been built up as truly awful was actually no struggle. It was hot, very very hot but definitely not a struggle - eben with Raina's knees.

There is not really much I can say about the Acropolis, I mean, that’s it, it’s the Parthenon and it doesn’t get much better then that. I have been somewhat obsessed with the Parthenon since I was 15 and here I was looking at the real thing.

This place is obscenely beautiful, I was expecting the Parthenon to be stunning of course but I didn’t know about the views. They are spectacular, the whole city surrounds the Acropolis and being mostly all white it is picturesque. Also you get a superb view of the temple of Zeus at the foot of the Acropolis and other monuments and ruins.

We spent a solid two hours looking and taking photos. Taking photos here is ridiculously easy, every way you turn the view is one of the best anywhere. Also we – in our excellent timing – managed to get photos with no one in them. We sat under our umbrellas, drinking cold water and pinching ourselves. Was this real? As we were leaving, the place was beginning to swarm with people and that opportunity was well and truly gone. The crowds were horrendous, so very many people. The ship tours were disgusting. 45 people following the leader who held up a spot. So many people, and we missed it all :D.

Next Immanuel drove us to the temple of Zeus. This place is (and I am running out of superlatives here) magnificent. There is really not that much left of it but what is there is indescribable. It looks as though it should by no means should be still standing, the few pillars and small amount of roof just don’t look stable, yet here they are, still standing thousands of years latter.

We went to the Pierre de Coubertin  stadium, which is were the modern Olympics were first held and where the Olympic flame was lit for the Athens Olympic touch relay. As well as the Library of Hadrian and the Agora and several other temples and ruins.

It was so damn hot, and the heat got to me for a while making me light headed, but this was fixed effectively by some good Greek food. Now I have never really cared for Greek food but I can now say, there just isn’t good Greek food in Australia (like Japanese, which I have never had of really good quality in Aust).

Feeling better we set off again to explore the markets and streets.

One major observation

GREECE IS AWESOME!!!!!!

It is wonderful, the people are so friendly (and have amazing English, again making me a lazy tourist, we did get the word for thank you, phonetically Aff-Gad-istall) and the place has a strong vibe and connectivity.

We looked at the meat market first which was a huge shed full of stalls selling meat. And not just steaks and chickens. What they had here ranged from whole goats, pigs, sheep, chickens and rabbits to pig heads, tripe (stomach linings) in five different shades, organs and tongues with the under jaw muscles attached. And a whole lot more. The weirdest thing I though was the skinned animals with heads attached and eyes still in place. That is a freaky sight, the stuff of horror movies.

The market was fantastic though, the sellers all yell as you pass to advertise their products. And they also were very interested in us. Many of them seemed to magically know (or could we possible be that obvious) that we were tourists and would immediately start speaking English to us, without ever trying Greek.

I got mobbed by several guys. They came up and hugged me (getting a little bit handsy lol) and kissed me on the cheek. I got my second marriage proposal of the trip. And I think I will have to ditch the Italian boy for the Greek. They were so fun and vibrant. 

We also went through the fruit markets, which sound just like they do back home, all the sellers being Greek. :P And the fish markets. The fish market was a blast, just as much variety as the meat and the sellers were so loud. The atmosphere was ecstatic and the chaos was brilliant. Less of these guys pegged us for tourists right away and were yelling at us in Greek. Everyone was so happy and friendly. They encouraged us to take photos of their stalls and all wanted to know where we were from. One asked if we were from the US, when we said no, Australia he said sorry. :P I liked that.

We saw spice markets, which smelt so good I wanted to move in and a coffee shop that smelt like heaven - the richest, deepest coffee bean smell I have ever experienced. We bough some olives a good two double handfuls that cost only 1 Euro. And were delicious.

Then we went to the pet shops, with all the normal animals plus some pretty exotic birds but coolest of all was the Chinchilla (a rabbit sized rodent that looks a bit like a fat mouse) and chipmunks, they were so damn cute. And only 30 Euro. Oh how I want a chipmunk. Horrid mother wouldn’t let me though. Sad face

The Greek people were amazing, I loved them all. Especially Immanuel (our driver) who was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. They are helpful for nothing, always smile and just make you happy. They seem to love life and thrive in it.

We did a fair bit of shopping here, there is so much to get, beautiful trinkets and jewelry. And the people are good to bargain with (this probably comes down to the financial situation and a need for money) I always find bargaining fun and like to see how I can get the best deal.

We went to see the famous changing of the guard ceremony at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Some people were worried about going to Athens after the strife there. We ended up at the house of parliament where the protests were. All it was was signs though and truly no concern at all. There were police everywhere too so really it was completely safe.

Waiting for the ceremony there was a man being followed closely by a horde of pigeons. He would put seed in your hand and on your head and take a Polaroid for 5 Euro. It was pretty fun and one pigeon stayed on my head for about 5 min.

Then the changing of the guard started. I was prepared to laugh at the hysterical lifting of the legs and the pom poms on the men’s shoes. And I was very amusing that the guards needed a guard to guard the guards so the guard of the guards could stop anyone messing with the guards. The two guards have to stand completely still for an hour without moving no matter the distraction. They wore a belted tunic with pleats, a hat with a long tassel that hangs over one shoulder and these ridicules shoes that have pom poms on the toes. Every hour they do a ceremony where they do this ridiculous walk lifting their legs to shoulder height in front of them and stamping their tap shoes. So I was prepared for the hilarity but it wasn’t actually all that funny in the end because there was such obvious skill involved and the effort did incite some respect. It was quiet beautiful.

When Immanuel picked us up again he had his mother with him and was in her car. Apparently a few taxis on the city had been damaged for working through the strike and his mother was worried about him so came along to make it look less like a fare. She didn’t speak much English but was lovely and it was so nice to see them together. The way I see it though, he was working off the books and not strictly as a taxi driver. He was more tour guide then anything else so how dare anyone think badly of him. I think he will forever be referred to as cousin Immanuel. 

Oh and he only asked for 100 Euro for the entire day driving us right to each location and giving us perfect directions on how to find everything. He got more.

We crashed out for a few hours as soon as we got home (well after a mojito). After dinner we played the Movie Love Song Trivia game with the English couple from the day before. Then again, crashed out for the night.

All in all a spectacular day, one of the best ever. Truly. 

Day 21. 5th July. At Sea, the Mediterranean

Today was an At Sea day, this quite literally means we are at sea all day. While the concept of staying onboard all day may sound boring this is so far from the truth. There is just so much to do on a ship like this.

I stumbled home a little after 5:30am from a fun night with my new cruise buddies, and promptly slept in (though I don’t really know that it counts when you also don’t get to bed at a regular time) till 11.

Then we had a Meet and Greet event to attend for a group of people who use the website Cruise Critic. Here we met a brilliant couple from England who spent quite a lot of time with throughout the day.

I had entered the silly art action competitions - while drinking the free French Champagne. I got not only a phone message but also two letters inviting me to the art auction and announcement of the winner of the guess the price of the artwork. The fact that Raina entered too and didn’t get an invite made me greatly suspect that I may have won. I didn’t, I was off by $100. Actually this makes me a little bit glad. I really didn’t want to win an art package of weird paintings of olives drinking martinis and such, worth thousands of dollars. I don’t get that art.

After that we went to see the Ice Dancing Show, which was incredible. All the dancers were really good and two were guest stars and were absolutely incredible. This girl was crazy talented and did an act where she skated along while hoola-hooping six hoops. Then we saw a Motown Show, with four male singers. This also was really good and just a fun thing to do.

Our favorite bar was Boleros - those guys made the best Mojitos!  The Navigator was a great ship!!!!!!

I met up with most of the people I met the night before and again stayed out till the wee hours of the morning. Not the best idea when Athens is tomorrow but oh well, holidays aren’t made for being smart. :P

Day 20. 4th of July. Cruise ship – Sicily

Today was American Independence Day, and while we were in Italy, on a ship of 4,000 passengers (plus staff) with something like 50% of the passengers being American this day did not go unnoticed. 

We set off to get far away from the port town of Messina and to another more quietly charming town a about 1.5 hours away called Taorimina. We were most disappointed that our pre booked driver Mario (lol, where is Luigie I wonder?) ditched us, or something. In any case he never showed. But it was easy enough to get another driver, though we had to be firm and not let them rip us off by charging more then the pre arranged price. We shared with a couple with two young boys who were ex-pat Australians but live in Denmark. So we had lots to talk about and their kids were lovely.

Once in the town we split up. Raina and I went to a café, I had an espresso and she had an ice cream. Is that the typical mother and daughter order or what? Lol. We had it on many occasions  with the coffee always being delivered to Raina. 

Then we wandered the stunning streets, poked about the shops and rode the sky gondola down the cliff face to see the views. The water here was stunning. A massive expanse of perfectly flat blue of a shade I have never seen before. The water seems to call you and all you want to do was\s dive off the cliff into it. Despite the logic that tells you that you will die painfully. :P

On the way back the driver took us all to a brilliant look out to the most beautiful place I think I have ever seen. I started crying looking at it. The water was so blue and clear that from far above you could see the bottom of the bay, a magazine worthy resort on a peninsular and several cute umbrellas set up on the beach.

Then I heard Raina saying  “oh, don’t look behind you Sarah.” So naturally what does that make someone do?

I have previously mentioned my mortal fear of volcanoes. Well this is something I probably blow out of proportion for humors sake, something I was scared of as a kid but not so much anymore. And I had been informed previously then forgotten till the night before that this area has several volcanoes but it is not something that would stop me touring.

Well, let me tell you, when faced with a smoking volcano no more then a few kilometers away the true feelings are revealed. Well I did not scream. But I did burst into tears and was not really able to function or breath. My knees went a little wobbly, I fell into Raina's arms and I became a blubbering mess and the thought of vomiting occurred to me. At least I remained continent. In fact I am crying a little and my hands are slightly shaky just from typing this. I was not able to look at it after that first glimpse. I have never experienced anything like that. I have been scared of things before yes. But this I now realize this is an actual phobia. I am a volcaphobic. And there I was witnessing Etna's eruption of 2011.

Not fun.

I was able to laugh at myself a bit as a coping strategy but the fear didn’t stop till we were far away and all the drive I was imagining a pyroclastic flow chasing me and trying in vain to decide on a survival strategy. Driving a smart car into a big van, into a truck, inside a tunnel and hoping inside the smart car occurred to me, before my logical brain told me that even layers will not protect you from an eruption. Volcanies!!!!!  They are so dumb. I hate them. Especially when there is smoke coming from them and they are near me.  Raina was very kind and comforted me - while looking over my shoulder, at a thought she never thought she would see – since she has a volcaphobic travelling companion.

We got back to the ship and poked around some more.  We went to ‘Johnny Rocket’s’ on the ship, a 50s style dinner. When you walk in, the first server to see you yells, “Everybody say HelllllOh” Then all the staff yells, “HellllllOh”. They are all dressed in white outfits with the 50s milk bar hats. We had chocolate malts, which though you can fell the calories attaching themselves to your hips as you drink, were worth it. However I do doubt that they were all that unhealthy given the amount of effort sucking, you must burn calories from that alone.

Then I went Ice Skating, that’s right, ice skating, on a boat on the Mediterranean.

It was formal night so we got all dressed up, had our portraits taken (a dicky thing to do but it is all fun in the end). Dinner was spectacular as usual on a cruise ship.

After that I got another Latin dance in with Constantine the Romanian staff member. Then hit up the nightclub “the Dungeon” complete with gothic furnishing, art and trimmings. lol. Here I approached some random people and started up a conversation. There were people from America (Miami, Arizona) Canada, England (Cambridge, Staffishire, and more.), South Africa, Scotland (in fact Edinburgh, my new favorite city - that is until I went to Athens), Donald, and he even wore a kilt for formal night and sure got a lot of attention for it. I got scooped up by an Ecuadorian who danced with me to Livin’ da Vida Loca, and danced properly, spins and dips and stuff, that was fun. And lots more people from places I have forgotten. After drinking and dancing till they closed the club at 3am we set off for the spa on the main deck. 

Then a stack more Floridians, Columbians and other assorted South Americans and random mixes showed up. When we arrived the Spa was closed for cleaning but a late night staff member saw us all and opened the spa up for us, OUR HERO. We ended up with about 20 people in the spa and had a whole lot of fun. They even turned some music on for us. Thank you anonymous staff member. 

Day 19. 3rd July. Rome and Cruise Ship

A last look at Rome, shop and café stop. Then we left to board the cruise ship.

Oh, but first a quick word about the Gypsies. At one train station I saw a faintly Gypsy looking guy eye me off (now it could have been completely innocent). But as I saw his eye hit me, then him move towards me – out of sheer paranoia and caution – I put my hand over the opening flap of my handbag, he very suddenly whirled and walked away. A few minutes later this happened again, almost exactly the same. Now it is possible that it was maybe something as innocent as he was going to talk to me, then along with my subtle hand movement I pumped out some hostile vibes. But it is also possible he was a pickpocket targeting me.

On another train a clearly gypsy boy – the right ethnicity and with a gold hoop earing – with a piano accordion was busking on the train. He was really irritating so desperately demanding money with his eyes. I have seen many with babies asking for money to feed their children. But you also hear the stories like the one about the women who wondered what their nanny was doing with their children during the day, only to see – when sneaking home to check one day - the nanny in a totally different outfit in the train station with their employer’s child used as a begging prop.

The best we saw though was a woman on a train, not with a human baby but with a puppy. Honestly the cutest puppy I have ever seen with giant doe eyes and ridiculously plushy fur. The kind of dog that melts your heart. I think she is onto a better tactic right there. However I didn’t see anyone give her any money. And I certainly wasn’t going to. Admittedly the idea of stealing her puppy occurred to me. :P

Then it was time for the Cruise ship. Woooooo! Navigator of the Seas.

This ship is sick. Some features.

15 Bars (of different themes, Sports, English, champagne, cellars, Latin, Italian, Gothic, Piano bar, etc)

4 large dinning rooms plus a buffet

4 specialty restaurants

A club

Numerous cafes

A promenade full of duty free shops

4 pools

4 spas (sitting at least 25 each)

A putt putt golf course

A golf driving simulator

A roller blading track

A rock-climbing wall

 An Ice Skating rink

A sports court

A Gym

A Day Spa

A Hair salon

A Botox clinic

A Casino

A conference center

A movie theatre

A stage theatre

A gaming arcade

A crèche

A kids center

A teens center

A jogging track

A helicopter pad

A library

A computer station

Live music in ten locations at any given time

Boundless sunbathing space (though not for me…skin cancer…Ahhh)

A Viewing gallery

An Art Gallery

A Photo display and shop

A medical center

A desalination plant to supply water to the entire ship

A sewage system

And commercial kitchens catering to 5,000 plus people.

And so many other practicalities I don’t understand or think of.

We went to some of the beginning events, Raina won a 30% discount at the spa (But with the small print it was worth nothing). I signed up for a session with a personal trainer. A big scary Romanian guy. That should be interesting. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Within about an hour of setting foot on the ship we were both fairly pissed. All the free French champagne at the art action thing was great. I only walked into one table at lunch though.  

Raina went for a massage (which she said got as much nearly s much done in 50 min as the usual 1.5 hour ones she has at home, because they used a bamboo rolling pin) and while I was waiting in our pre arranged meeting place. The 7:30 free liquor tasting. I made lots of friends in the staff. Like the man at the English pub on the promenade who asked me the time every time I walked past. The Indian guy from the promenade café who gave me my cookie. I could get used to this walking up and asking for any food and they just give it to you. We discussed our mutual desires to go to each others countries ( I do want to go to India again). And most of all Constantine, the Romanian first day on the job,  who was running the “guess the art value” competition. Later I was walking past the Latin music and dancing that was on at one of the bars (which much to my disappointment only had three old people sitting there and no one dancing). But as I passed I ran into Constantine again and he asked me if I wanted to dance. Much to my joy it was Buccada dance, which is one of the four Latin styles I know. :D So anyway, we got to dance, then he had to go do some work I guess. That was fun.

Later on I found a Scottish couple who asked if I wanted to get a drink. So we drank and chatted listening to music for a while. They were lovely and I was highly amused that he was a ranga Scot who was sunburnt from being in the sun playing golf. Lol, stereotype much? Bahahahahah.