Erice western Sicily 
8-12 century bc. Built walls high in mountains above sea level. Maybe came from Troy. 
Maybe from Liguria area italy. 
High mountain climb today in bus. Beautiful old stone walls and roads. 
Cooler up here than in trapani which is very hot mid day in summer, forty degrees. Stores all close. 
Just a few hundred pop in this small town of erice. It is beautiful and quiet
Church bells ring as we stroll through a grove of trees and walkway lined w itch benches. Made for meditative sitting, relaxing, contemplating. 
We can see salt pans from the high view by the castle. 
Olive and vineyard flourish here. Windy. Dry. 

 Malta
This is a new port for me. Spectacular sail in to the port with amazing skyline of interesting shapes from cathedrals and churches, fortress walls and building tops. If ever you get a chance to see it, get up early. It is worth the view. Maybe one of the most spectacular entrances I have seen, maybe second to Venice 🙂
Four went on tour and six of us met together to check out the sights with help of a hop on bus and walking. Right off the ship we had to run the gauntlet for three separate companies selling hop on hop off bus for Malta, all trying to out yell the other. It was so confusing and hard to know what to do. We grabbed the City Sightseeing bus and selected to do the North loop first.  
It turned out that is all the time we had if we wanted to also walk around Valletta – which we did.  
We saw some spectacular sights, stopped for an hour in Mdina which was amazing at every turn. An old fortress town, high and deep with stone structures. Beautiful windows and doors grabbed my attention and not too many people had arrived just yet when we were there. We wandered, keeping an eye on each other so we would stay as a group. Little windy alley roads, only a small number of people live within the town limits, and only a few cars parked on the narrow roads. Little shops selling glass works, jewelry and ceramics mostly. Some linens as well. Very nice arched doorways and stone work walls.  
We all loved the town, got back on bus and went around the island of Malta. We saw beaches, incredible views, marinas, buildings, steeples, ancient walls and fortresses.
We also drove through the handicraft centre and saw where the glass blowing happens and ceramics are made. Lovely and quaint.
It took a few hours, a bit longer than expected, to get around the bus loop and to Valletta. There we got off the bus at the city gates. Another spectacular sight!  
We found the gardens, a MUST SEE, mostly for the views of the island and sea coast from the lookout areas. Wow!  
We walked the shopping street a bit, returned to the gardens and took the free vernacular to the port, boarded our ship, Oceania Riviera.
We are going to clean up and meet together for a wee drink of wine before dinner.  
It was a lovely day in Malta. I would do it again!  
Pamela

When I first learned about returning to Chania Greece on this cruise itinerary, I was excited. I remember, fondly, two previous visits to this fare seaside village, the sights of ancient stone work, the lighthouse, the olives and the beach. I longed again, to return and walk through the town, find my favourite shopping store with designer label clothes and jewelry and to once again feel the Greek culture and history.  

And yesterday, with the group of women travelling together, with my mom and Jim … I once again enjoyed this place.  
We walked, talked, laughed, shopped, swam, sang, danced and exchanged excitement at every new find. It was one of the best days on this trip.
It is hard to really pinpoint the very best days as there has been many. It is great to feel the close kinship and friendship with this travelling band of wonderful people.  
I revisited Xamam the store boasting “philosophy to wear” and was inspired, again by the variety, simplicity, natural fibres and the beauty of designer fashions. We spent glorious moments wrapped in beautiful things …. Trying on for size, colour, fabric drape and appeal to the body shape.
We found our tribe also wandering the town .. We were 6-8 together all day. After shopping we took relief and complimentary wine or beer, and sat along the beautiful seaside in a cafe and ate Greek food! Spectacular and delicious, very satisfying.  
Onward to the beach where we took turns swimming in the refreshing cool and inviting salt water sea. Wonderful friendships!  
It was a great day!  
Wish you were here!  
Pamela

Lovely sea day, catchup

Up last night dancing till wee hours with a circle if great women friends, and the assistant cruise director and his musical iPad. All request dance party. A hoot! Even line dancing our new moves.

Today, a review of the emergency procedures after breakfast, then some time with my mom wandering around the ship. Lunch, line dancing just ended and now heading to the Extended Journeys presentation t three pm to learn about upcoming voyages.  

After that, I have a cocktail party with the Captain and then special dining in Chez Jacques, French specialty restaurant on board. Hopefully dancing this evening.

Tomorrow Chania Crete Greece, for a walk about and maybe a nice swim!  

Wish you were all here. Gorgeous sunshine and the most beautiful ship.  

Ciao tutti

Pamela

Turkey, extraordinary day in a Turkish port, Alanya!  I have not been here previously so it was all new to me.

We took a tour, my mom, Jim, Gerry and I. We met others of our group who did a slightly different tour. These are some of the facts I learned from our guide on the bus ride to Aspendos and Side ( pronounced siddae”). We visited some fabulous ancient sites and then had some free time in port. If you would like to see pictures, please check out my Facebook page and see more. It was amazing. Turkey is so rich in history that seems to predate everything I learned along the way.  

Turkey 97 percent in Asia, 3 percent on Europe.

12-13 ancient cultures in the country.
Oldest civilizations of human people’s. First cities, cave settlements have been found.

Democratic republic

Capital, in Ankara 

7 climate regions

Fruits and vegetable varieties grown all over Turkey, regional unique agriculture.

Banana with huge leaves here by the sea.

Turkey is accomplished in many things …. Here are a few: Turkish leather, manufacturing cars, fruits and veggies production, olive trees, silk textiles, tourism, roman ruins of Ephesus, sailing, big tourist cities, ancient sites, golf, rafting, climbing, shopping, cotton pistachios, grain, huge beach resorts along the sea following highway. Third of country is green forest. Churches from all ages. Whirling dervishes, Sufi. Old cities even 8000 BC!  

St Nicholas born in Patara. 12 century, 

256 hotels on shoreline here, 7 stars some! Hotel rotates! Size of rooms, on shore by water. Gold taps, lol. 

Last year ten million tourists in Antalya, Germans, Russians, Scandinavian countries. Hundreds of flights arrive every day! Wow!  

August is hottest. Maybe 47-48 degrees then. Today will be 38 degrees.  

Neighbours Greece, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Bulgaria, . Turkey boasts second biggest army in world next to United States.  

Goturkey.com

Differing and warring countries book into different hotels so to reduce conflict while on holidays.
Theatres: ancient word, means ‘acting’. Where is the Oldest theatre? 6 th century BC. Greek style vs Greco Rome style, and the most recently built roman style.  

1. In Hellenistic period built Greek style on slope of hill or mountain, before Romans built. Carved seats out of natural stone of hill. Side entrance, ocean air, no stage, no stage wall.  

2. Romans in 190 BC in this area. Added stages, built roof on side entrances. Expanded theatre.  

3. Roman theatre, colosseum in Rome, for example. Not on hill. Marble stone seats. Not for plays, built usually for gladiators and wild animals. Celebrated festivals. Used to 7 century AD.  

We had a tour of Aspendos, theatre, built second century. Many parts such as sculptures, taken throughout history. Greco roman style. Excavation not completed yet in this area. Much more to uncover in this area. This was a spectacular ancient site to see and is recommended for visitors to this area in Turkey. When plays happened here, all actors were men, they may have worn masks and there was a narrator to keep the audience entertained and to assist following the story.  

I climbed to the top of the ancient theatre for the spectacular view. I could hear voices very clearly from below in the theatre, although there was also a peace of no sound so high up. The acoustics were marvellous and I enjoyed this experience very much.  

We then boarded our bus group number three, and off to Side to the historic site in that location.  

This area of Turkey, More than 260 days full sun a year.  

Tourism with Europeans and Russia. Fifty flights a day from Russia alone! Weather and beach, ancient sights, golf. Freedom to walk streets here. Some peoples come here for this freedom from the pressure in their own countries. Rent apartments for a few months, less cost for their veggies and fruits here. “Side” offers everything for some people from those countries that come here. Spa, fishing tours.  

Young people in Turkey work in tourism … Not farming any more. Small shops selling to tourists on Main Street. Instead of hand crafts.  

Now huge huge hotel resorts, fields empty. Can’t farm anymore. Building houses and apartments … 

Produce oranges, tangerines, pomegranate. In this coastal region. Greenhouses for veggies.  
As we arrive at Side, we learn that the ancient inhabitants Had also an ancient language. Second century BC. Maybe 1500 BC. Big trade city. Slave trade experts. Port and temple to Apollo God of sailors. Visitors to the Temple most likely arrived by water. We visited the museum and large archeological world heritage site. This is 100% roman theatre in Side. Pronounced siddae. Meaning pomegranate. Symbol of Artemis. 

Theatre is approximately 1800 years old. Second century roman. 

Tour was over six hours to Aspendos and then Side. Very interesting guide and great sites!
When we got back to the ship late, we waded in the sea…. Fabulous, and then walked around the local streets. 

I’m coming home with a Turkish carpet …. Lol. Ok, it is very small … Ha ha.  

Met a new gal, Mary from Arizona, and she and Gerry and I got same carpets. Three for a very low price. So fun..  

Had dinner and danced till the wee hours … It is almost one am. Tomorrow is a sea day.  
Good night all!  

Pamela 

Wish you were here!  

Driver on the other side of the road, Cyprus.

Speaking Greek on this side of the island, were once British colony till 1960, 16 August. Turkish invasion after. In 1974. Now 37 percent of island under Turkish occupation, not recognized as a republic by any country or UN … Only Turkey.  

  United Nations still peace keeping buffer zone. Demarcation green line is 180 km long, military fence. 5 check points to cross. Need passports. 45,000 Turkish troops.  

There is a Military airport on island that belongs to Great Britain.

Trying to find peaceful way to live. Negotiation ongoing.  

Lots of Russians come here and stay here. Third largest island in med. 9000 sq km. close to Turkey. Less 900,000 pop. Dialects different from Greece. Ancient words and Italian etc spoken by Greek Cypriots. ( means they were born in this country as it presently is configured after occupation). 

Taught English at school from first year primary school. French is also compulsory, age 12-16 years old. All boys have to do compulsory 24 months military service at 18 years old. After that, they can go to university.  

Nice beaches. Few years ago had financial difficulties due to investments in Greece gone bad.  
Kalimera means good morning
Limassol 180,000 pop. Port, second largest city. Lots of festivals including wine celebrations.

Zero humidity in mountains … Lot of nature trails. Pleasant.  

 No industry here. Before 1974 was agriculture. Now tourism. Mostly British visitors. And Russia. Not so much from Europe now due to financial crisis. Closed 27 hotels. 27 percent unemployment. 

First inhabitants 11 million years ago. Wow! to hunt animals unique to area.
2008 took on euros. Used to be Cyprus pounds.

Birthplace of Aphrodite born of sea foam, goddess of fertility… Aka Venus 
“Holy prostitution” 3000 years ago.  

Today I go back to Cyprus. I was here a few years ago, on a cruise and loved it. Again I was with my mom and we had driven around the island to a few interesting and scenic spots. This time we signed up for an excursion that takes us to Nicosia ( the divided capital) and Lefkara.
Nicosia I remember hearing about from my friends when I was in the armed forces reserves so many years ago. Many went off for peace keeping activities in that exotic sounding destination, Nicosia. My father also did a time there, I believe.  

The sun is high and hot already as we cruise into the port of Limassol Cyprus. Many of the gals on this trip are on different tours and it is their first time on the island. Mom and Jim and I and a few more are going to see similar sights together. We meet at 815 in the lounge for our ticket exchange and to receive our bus number.

35 days a year it rains for only a few hours a day. That’s it. Rest is sunny! Snow on top of some mountains. Water reservoirs in few key areas. Now desalination places for shortage of water issues.  

Lefkara high in mountain, means white hills. Limestone structures. Vineyards and olive trees. Also almond trees. Carob trees. 700 population … Used to be few thousands.  

Previously Local made cottons and linens. Also pomegranate trees. Fruit symbolizes fertility. Grapes. Now they use Irish linen and French thread. Men make silver filigree. 

Fires here every year destroying what little forest they have. They ask for help from italy, Greece, Israel.  

Driving back to port of Limassol now. No purchases except a suitcase to replace my broken one … I purchased Italian luggage in Nicosia. I would have liked more time in Lefkara.  

I travel with my powdered shakes from Univera, plant based protein, very tasty and satisfying when I can’t get back for my meal on the ship. Antonia is the guide and she has strong accent, seems very knowledgeable and pleasant to share seat with and listen to her on the tour! She has lived here her whole life.  

This should have been a full day tour with more time in the two areas. So much time driving between. It was very good I thought. And enjoyable day.

Tomorrow, Alanya Turkey!
Wish you were here, 

Pamela

Good morning, 
Today Acre and something about Crusaders. Pronounced Akko.

Nice hot sunny day again, great bus ride, fabulous guide and driver. Very interesting place. Perhaps not as life changing as Jerusalem! I have been to Israel before in this area and have seen some amazing sights … It is old and the stories are so interesting. Such a contrast again, of the people from various religions living together in close proximity.  

And yet … The visual of the young soldiers and guards dressed in casual civilian clothes with very large weapons . … Even today, escorting a class of young school children. Of course teachers were also there … The presence of guns makes it uncomfortable for me. I don’t feel threatened, just uneasy that conflict is such a part of everyday life in this part of the world.

I had a shorter tour today and there were 7 of us from our group together for the five hours. It was nice to go down to the lounge together and get our tickets and get on same bus. I liked it …. Enjoying watching the others enjoying the sights. And it is always a fabulous day with my mom.
A little shopping, had to spend the few Israeli sheckles as it was the last day here. On the ship, some quick lunch and a shot lounge in the thalassotherapy pool on the spa deck.  

All in all, very satisfactory and a slower pace and more relaxing I think … As I finally settle in to the time zone and structure of this port intensive and exotic sunny destination cruise.
Tonight dining in main dining room, I think … And up tomorrow for Cyprus! I have been here before, with my mom on a previous cruise and we loved Cyprus. Tomorrow I will be seeing Nicosia and Lefkara. New places for me.

One of the gals had a fall a few days ago and yesterday went to a local doctor to get checked out… Apparently her elbow broken so her roommate worked overtime into the night to get flights and transfers arranged for her to go home. Too bad, she was in a lot of pain and the doc suggested surgery will be needed soon.  

That is two of our twelve travellers who have had unexpected medical issues arise that affected their attendance on our cruise. Please please always remember to purchase medical and cancellation / interruption insurance. It is always important part of any vacation planning.
Do take care, and wish you were all here to enjoy this voyage and stay in the Med!

Ciao Pamela 

Kind of a strange morning with security, passport pickups, getting passes for the day and navigating the process and queues. We have arrived in Haifa Israel and en route to spend the day exploring Jerusalem.
Many busses out front, lined up for the cruise passengers. People being pulled out of line and questioned by local authorities. Some people can’t locate their tickets for the bus, have not followed all the written and verbal instructions.  
I ask to have a front seat and next to the tour guy. I am in it for now and hopefully it will be fine. A few of the gals travelling with me had come early and taken the other front seat. 
Bus is getting ready to go. So must I. 
Familiar sights from last time, golden dome and Baha’i garden in Haifa. View from ship and balcony.  
NOTES FROM THE 12 hour tour.  
9 million people in this country: Israel 

We start out with Bananas and beach view, corn and ancient sights.  
We hear History stories, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Saul, David, Solomon.  
We see Big water reservoirs visible from road… Some 700 plus of them
The people here Grow fish in water lakes, like tilapia, covered with nets to keep birds out.  
We Drive through Tel Aviv. Sabbath Saturday so no traffic. Beaches, walking and parks … Means spring hill.  
Big diamond and gold industry, Silicon Valley IT
Roads beautiful but lousy public transit is very bad / due to traffic congestion

Large tax here

Biggest industry is high tech. Second is agriculture. 3 is petrochemicals, war machines 4

Maalish … Means relax, no rush
Every ten feet is something to talk about. History and so many cultural and religious centers in one place. Amazing. I have teared up to being unable to hold it in as I listen to the story of crucifixion …. Our tour guide tells the stations as we see the sights
The holy site of to wailing wall, the western wall. We sat in silence for a while, left a note. Watched. Touched the wall. Waited in silence and witness the vibration of the prayers and wishes of all the others.  
Moshe Tal is our guide. Means Moses.  
Shopping. Items from olive wood. Roman glass made to necklace decorations, pendants and bracelets, earrings made of ancient coins.  
Equally as interesting as the scenery and historic sights, is the stories as told by Moshe. He brings the heart to our tour. He loves this land and his country.  
We ate lunch in a kibbutz.. Philosophy is everyone works as ,much as he can and gets as much as he needs. Does not work. Light industry is how they make their living today. For example restaurant and hotel on kibbutz.  
Garden and church of gethsemane. 
Bells toll and chanting are some of the sounds of religions being practiced around us today.
Elvis coffee shop outside Jerusalem, we stopped for use of facilities and for those who drink coffee, a free souvenir mug. Lol
We stopped to see the dessert, the bordering countries and he explained more of the political situation from his perspective. Interesting and sad, the level of violence that is life in this country.  
We received a pilgrim certificate for our visit today in Jerusalem!  
At times feeling lonely as no one friend or partner to share stories of the day with and my ah-ha moments.  What is missed when climbing and journeying alone? So glad my mom is here on the bus … Even though she is sharing with Jim and I am happy for them both. The other 8 gals all have roommates and friends to share the adventure.  
Large beetles on the sandy soil.. Big raven like birds with light brown bodies, black wings. Baby tiny olives growing in the plentiful trees, ready for harvest in the fall.  
Jewish people, Christians and Muslims all living in cities together. Live together and work together. We see a wall, electronic and imposing. If you try to get close, you get warned in three languages and if you persist, you can be shot. Such contrasts.  
   
  

Janis, new beginnings, new year, new hope … The bridge between yesterday’s and tomorrow’s 
The artist in residence in the ship is unique. He brings his love of art, history and sculpture to our voyage. He is a guest lecturer and speaks on some very interesting topics. He seems quite entertaining, smart and humorous. I am enjoying his energy.

He has placed his Janis sculpture, neither or both male and female energy, huge balloon type sculpture of a head … Travelling around the world. It carries a kind of message of connection between the past and future. He says “art, where you least expect to find it.”  

A few more quotes from his talk …. “Jerusalem is nothing. That nothing is everything”. I found that interesting to ponder. He shared why he feels that way. He describes himself as a generalist and provocateur. He speaks, he offers a thought and an idea. No wrong or right and no agreement required. Intriguing!  

Art, he says, is part of the process of creating and inspiring dreams. I agree. From beginning of time, written word, artistic expression not only educates us on what is and a conversation of how the artist interprets it …. And also leaves with is each a thought, an inquiry and an inspiration of what could be and …. So our future is inspired.

More to come as my day fills up with other provocative speakers and conversations.

I love,the enrichment offered on Oceania! History never felt so fun before! Looking forward to hearing from Dan this afternoon. I was introduced to Dan through our mutual friend Jane by email before we travelled on this cruise.  

Interestingly coincidentally we met around the huge sculpture of Janis in the lobby on the first or second night of the cruise. We have eaten together and I look forward to more fun and getting to know of Dan and his travel companion, Jane. Woo hoooo.

Wish you were here …. What does your Janis look like?…..

Love p

Xoxox