Predicting Turkey

Our plans for a port day in Santorini had to be changed. Just the day before our scheduled port of call, the weath prediction is for gusty winds on that island. Five cruise ships are affected and only one can be tied up. The others would have to tender and the seas will be too rough for safety.

They told us today that we will be going instead to Bodrum, Turkey. My fourth different port of call in Turkey, and I have never been to this one. Actually I have never even heard of it. Our little ship can nestle in to port and there will be new shore excursions for passengers to enjoy. I understand it once was a fishing village and will be a lovely spot. Many people were pleased and applauded the choice.

The Pursuits daily programme says it is an international centre for tourism and yachting. History of this place dates back to 13th century BC. It is old! It is home to creative artists, poets, singers and more.

We will arrive at 8 am and depart at 8 pm. We will dock for the whole day. I look forward to the leisure time, although kind of disappointed not to show mom Santorini. It means I get to come back one day! I so love Greece, Italy and the Mediterranean. Especially my heart is set on Greece.

Paphos, Curium and Omodos, Cyprus

We travelled in the morning, we slept in and went for a late dining room breakfast. We wandered the ship. We ate again, and then noonish we arrived in Cyprus. Our tour was late leaving due to no shows.

Then there was a double decker bus parked for a wedding and I blocked the road and sidewalk. Our driver could not leave the area to take us on our tour. He waited, looked, enquired and finally after several minutes of waiting and pacing outside, jumped in and drove the wedding bus out of the road.

It was hot and sunny and Paphos was our port city. Lots of tourism, shops, cafes and even Starbucks and McDonalds could be seen from the bus. We drove out of the city and into the countryside. First heading along the coastline. Our tour lady was delightful, and talked for about 5 hours. We saw Aphrodites Rock (legend has it that to stay young, young women are to strip naked and swim around the rock 3 times in the full moon) and then to the Sanctuary to Apollos including restored Greco-Roman theatre and another big World Heritage site ancient house, ruins mosaics from very ancient times laid out. I believe the name is Archaelogical Site of Kourion. They still use the site for concerts and performances to this date. We tried and the acoustics were marvellous. One of the gals on our tour sang, the hills are alive with the sound of music. The ancient bathhouses included cool, medium and hot water from the natural springs. One would use the foot bath to start and then gradually use the warmer water and then reverse the process when bath time was over.

Perhaps this small town of Omodos will one day host an Azamazing evening. We parked and walked with out tour guide to the local church and monetary, and the shops stayed open for our visit. Small little places selling Cyprus Delights, post cards and linens. Many kinds of nuts are grown and harvested in the area and used for making sweet treats. A special bread made only here with a secret recipe was handed around as well. Mom was heavily influenced by an old fella who took her gently but firmly by the arm into his shop and was persistent she stay. She made an escape finally …. Phew, without purchase. His wife had done much of the handwork on display.

Cyprus is a beautiful and hot place they say, especially in the summer months when locals and families head somewhere else to escape the heat. The river beds are all dry this time of year, just gravel and a ditch marks where they would be. Water tanks on every roof top to be used when the water is gone three days of the week.

Jaffa today

Mom and I had a half day tour through Jaffa (old town) and drive through TelAviv (means old and new at same time). The tour guide was fabulous. Www.Hiyaguide.com I think she said to learn more about her work. She is part of the system that certifies other tour guides. Apparently it is a very specific business and all must be certified and show their cards to authorities when asked. She was asked by local authorities today and wore her certification around her neck for easy recognition. We were group number 18 and a relatively small group of 16 people.

We parked and wandered through some very old buildings down in the centre of this ancient place. I took some pics. Jewellery shops like museums, selling tiny silver broaches with scroll replicas inside. Several of our passengers were interested in these and other items and had done some research previously obviously. Also jewellery made of Roman glass (similar to our sea glass). Very pretty and unique settings.

We had an authentic lunch and they accommodated my food issues with falafel and pickled salad, and French fried potatoes. I ate most of the food and the pickles were the best ever. Sheena would have loved the pickles, too.

Took some pictures of the very old area and learned about the many many times Israel changed authorities over the ages. So interesting and such a very old history. Rich in spiritual and physical era descriptions of how it altered the lives of the people in this land.

We saw Topal from fiddler on the roof … Walking down the street today in Jaffa! Then moments later the ex president of Israel with his bodyguards. Our tour guide pointed pointed them out … It looked like the ex president was going in to McDonalds for a burger but he slipped in to the next door instead. All so exciting. Steve would have loved seeing famous people I think.

We went to the SeaMall in Ashdod and found a great shop for ladies, I looked at the labels and everything in the store was made in Canada. Www.lacecanada.com or .ca. Company is based in Montreal we are told. Must google them when I get home but what comfort it was to see the made in Canada labels. Lovely. We also went by some spectacular beaches on the way there and back.

In Jaffa I purchased some postcards and a round disc with good luck phrases in Israeli language to add to my chains around my neck. I fell in love with it and can feel the good energy. Maybe someday I will remember the phrases or find them when I google.

Tomorrow Haifa and Azamazing evening.

Love Pamela
Xoxoxox

Wish you were here.

Azamazing Evening

Now, even days later, the fresh memories fill my senses from the Azamazing Evening event put on by Azamara Club Cruises for our particular voyage. What a treat to be part of this. The first one for Azamara Journey and the first one in Haifa.

Such great effort brings such spectacular world class results. The food fills the air with smells that the mouth can almost taste just on the breeze. The lights, some fire torches, some flood lights in gold highlighting ancient rock openings for walking through to the magic. Guests commenting to one another, in delight at the discoveries of yet more details.

Every single sparkle of the night, the sounds of the orchestra and the gals whose vocals filled the night with sounds that brought thundering applause and several standing ovations. Encore, encore.

Dancing and joyous sounds of glee and delight as folks experienced fun and freedom in Israel this special evening.

I have added Azamara to my favourites list for cruising just so I can experience this priceless, bespoke, authentic and exclusive night experience offered only by this creative expertise offered by Land Discoveries department.

When we got to our stateroom after the event, there was a package of Natural Dead Sea Bath Salts and Mineral Hand Cream. How many people get gifts from attending such an event, priceless and complimentary? I know the guests from Azamara Club Cruises do!

I can’t wait to return for my next Azamazing evening this July!

Wish you were here,

Pamela

Rhodes is still one of my favourites.

Unable to go to Lindos this time, I was satisfied and delighted to spend the afternoon with my mom wandering the walled city of Rhodes in Greece. We shopped, laughed, tried on clothes, looked at jewellery and people watched. When mom and I are together, these are a few of my favourite things. (Makes me break in to song like Julie Andrews!)

Ov five cruise lines in port today, Celebrity Reflection, Holland Americas ms Noordam and several smaller ships not sold by us in Canada, likely European brands.

We found great prices for linen items, authentic to Greece. We found post cards and stickers for luggage, proud displays of where we have been with this piece of suitcase.

Also stumbled on another Greek designer, tall, young and creative with cottons and linens. Many folk from the cruise line stopped by and commented. Many women came back after seeing nothing to compare with the quality and beauty of her items. I loved being waited on by the hostess and she has such beautiful things. I could have filled a complete suitcase!

My day started with a two hour Seminar at Sea hosted by Azamara and I am so enjoying the special attention and training provided by this brand. Well done and thanks so much for the opportunity!

Tonight is the White Night Deck Party. A Mediterranean buffet and music will be served on the top outside decks for a party atmosphere. I have something white and flowy to wear on deck.

We will join up with some of our new friends from the United States. We have met so many friendly and wonderfully interesting people on this cruise. I love the ten days, it feels like a good length, still wanting more, but ready to go home. I would love to return again next year. I love the small intimate boutique ships and the over the top friendly and efficient staff we have encountered. As well, the free flowing spirits and wine were served on this cruise ship for the first time and I have to say what a treat it has been. Martini, Margarita, regional white wine daily selection and so much more.

Robes, slippers, bottled water, specialty coffees and teas, fresh fruit in our rooms, a veranda and every day being treated like royalty.

I best get ready for the evening festivities.

Love to all, wish you were here.

Pamela

Haifa in the heat

Early morning sun on the veranda promises a very hot day. Mostly clear skies and sparkling water out our full size window.

We will have some breakfast and venture out for a bit. Most places close from 1-4 pm daily. So we can have some ship time this afternoon, maybe a swim? I love how relaxing cruising is.

Later: we left the ship and walked out on to the street and caught a free shuttle bus laid on by the city of Haifa. An hour and a half with options to get off at the mall, the beach and a few of the tourist highlight areas. We stayed on for the guided tour. Even time for photos! What an interesting and beautiful city. We were so pleased with the value of this trip and the timing. Back at noon we walked trying to find postcards, a flag and sticker for my luggage but alas, nothing! I tried to change money at a money exchange and their machine was down so I ended up going back on the ship without spending one shekel! Fun. The sun was out, so I donned my bathing suit and headed up for a swim in the salt water pool. It was the perfect temperature.

Mom came up, we had a little lunch. Salmon brochettes by the pool. I enjoyed a cool beverage. Then to shower and prepare for the evening. Buffet dining in our favorite window table in Discoveries dining room. After a relaxing and enjoyable dinner, drink and casual conversation, we prepared to head out to the busses.

Wow. What an event. The Azamazing evening arranged by Azamara was breathtaking. Incredible undertaking by the cruise line specifically for us on this cruise and all details were looked after. The first for Azamara Journey. I am so pleased I was here to experience this.

Tremendous. We were bussed out to a two thousand year old roman amphitheatre, hundreds of us. More than 11 buses full, I did not see how many in total. When we arrived after about 40 minute drive, in to a park area in the desert area south of Haifa, we were greeted by young people and many Israeli flags, cheering, fabulous ethnic music being performed by a team of 4 gentlemen. Free wine, beer, soft drinks and water, in several stations. Food local to the area, prepared and set up for tasting all around the theatre, inside. The lighting, torches, even soft pillows for sitting in the arena. There was dancing. An orchestra played and two women sang. I was overwhelmed at times. My breath caught in my throat. Speechless. This is truly a fabulous event.

A few hours went by in a blink. It was now dark and the music came to an end even after a few encores. The evening still very warm. Dancing and fun, more food, desserts, more wine. We had to gather up and head out to the busses. Home almost 11 pm back to the ship.

Up to our wonderful stateroom to talk about it all, and read about tomorrow’s plans.

What an awesome and full day. I think Israel is a fabulous place to visit and Azamara a most amazing cruise line. What innovation, and back to history in a beautiful country. So welcoming. The many people we have met have been super friendly and very fun.

This is an amazing cruise.

Wish you were here.

Love Pamela
Xoxoxo

Azamazing

I have attended on seminar at sea already and a private function meet and greet. I am very impressed with Azamara. The Captain and cruise director also participated with our seminar and shared some great stories of their experiences on this ship. Roger Moore one of the James Bond actors and his wife sailed with this ship not too long ago and we saw pictures.

It is not a brochure outlying the specialness of Azamara …. But rather, a destination guide. “You will love where we take you”. Longer stays, more overnights and night touring. Azamazing evenings are unique, authentic and exclusive. This ship is doing the very first one on the Journey, in Haifa. Lucky us!

Complimentary beverages on this sailing just started this cruise as well. People are really talking about what sets Azamara apart from the rest. Destination immersion is the brand. Average age 56-58 years of age.

The service is outstanding. The maitre d, room stewards, front desk and wait staff are all terrific. I am so pleased with the whole experience. Really memorable.

Fantastic time being had by all. We are having some laughs. Travelling with my mom is a hoot and so good for us both. Great relationship and quality time. Eating together, laughing together and seeing new sites together. Of course, shopping together!

Love to all,

Pamela

It’s going to be hot.

Hey all, heading to Israel tonight and will be there in the morning. We had our sea day and ate way too much food and specialty drinks and wine and so much excess. Phew. Even sat on deck and read a book for a while. Beautiful flat seas.

Tomorrow we have opted for a safe and only half day tour of Jaffa and TelAviv. Once we have done that, there is a complimentary shuttle in to town in Ashdod. We need to find postcards to send to grandsons, and a flag to add to the collection they have of Grammies travels. I also want to get another sticker for my suitcase. Feels like fun to me. No other real shopping necessities but open to whatever we find. Neither of us has been to this country before.

Most people on the cruise are doing tours to Jerusalem and Bethlehem I imagine. 10-11 hour day. There are so many choices and all will be good I think. Ashdod is one of the oldest cities in the world. I can’t imagine what it will be like. So much rich history.

We don’t leave this port till after 10 pm. I wonder about all the exciting new old things we will see and encounter.

Azamara is a great cruise line, fabulous itineraries and night touring, exotic destinations.

Sea day in the Med

I have two hours with Seminar at Sea commencing 830 am. So up early and dressed in business casual clothes. The sea is a bit rocky and we have not seen the sun yet this morning. This promises to be a day for reading and checking out the ship.

Mom and I are going to check out the breakfast buffet and then after my seminar, we will partake in the brunch served in the dining room. The day may centre around food! Well, that is cruising! And of course enrichment seminar on the history of Israel ( where we will be tomorrow) and for two days.

At 330 is the future cruise presentation. And we typically eat again around 630 ish and then join for the entertainment later in the evening. A nice rhythm for this cruise. Only one sea day so it will be nice to relax some and enjoy the sun when it burns through.

Lovely day, wish you were here!

Love Pamela