tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21183911490584881482024-03-15T18:09:31.146-07:00Bill and Jan RVing the USABill and Jan RVing
in the USAbillandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.comBlogger924125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-45156919488099681712023-01-10T07:44:00.000-08:002023-01-10T07:44:44.954-08:00From a Sleepy Tiny Island to a Big City<p><br /> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After visiting Ilhabela, Santos seemed gigantic. I beleive I heard that it is the biggest port in South America. There were skyscrapers everywhere.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our ticket said to meet in the Celebrity teater at 7:45. Our group was escorted off the ship a few minutes later. You are not allowed to walk on the pier. All passengers must take a shuttle bus to the terminal. When we arrived at the terminal our bus was waiting.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We've been on a lot of buses in our world travels but I've never seen a bus like this. You enter the bus in the center and climb up a spiral staircase. The knee space was unbelieveable--about 2 feet of floor space. There was a pull down piece that reclined your legs. Bill mentioned to me that there was a bus beneath us. Sure enough when we got off I looked and there were seats below. This is nothing like a English bus.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our first stop was at a cable car. There were a lot steps to climb up to the cable car. I believe she said it was built in the 1920's. Our guide, named Dummy, told us the history of the area and the Portugeuse influence. The cable car took us up to the highest point of the city. This is where they posted look outs. Dummy also told us that the city is mostly flat. Of course there was a church at the top. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Unlike the trolley tour we took, our guide told us all about the history. She never stopped giving us any information.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We stopped at the Coffee Museum. This is where I realized that we were not the only ship in port. It was so nice at the other ports that were not crowded. The coffee museum was built in the 1920's and it took only two years to build.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">No one can come to Brazil without visiting a "football" stadium and musuem. I now realize why Pele was so famous. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Following our tour of the stadium and museum, we went to the more exclusive section of Santos. The beaches of Santos are in the Guiness Book of Records for having the longest stretch of gardens in the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our tour guide did an excellent job of telling us about Santos. You could tell she loved her city!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We returned about 1 and had lunch and then went down to our cabin to change into our bathing suits. The weather has been perfect for dipping in the pools or reading on deck. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely..... </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-29657909451212988292023-01-10T07:39:00.000-08:002023-01-10T07:39:09.235-08:00I'm in Love With Ilhabela!<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZWNpYzXHIHKhycy0QUkuMxeLpsd1Iw7oFrAidhBXdRJuaFZ0GlpWqHzuBAFW8B1hPt1d1YSW91w9SX5b_MJ-eY9QWq7GaOj1aBh0puevUYmEI7NR-6tQLzqv0aVFD-0BO17d-KCZOitoP1SUSlRoCw2f4NEzbzHwnYgvSl6d6lF05icl3go4bXby/s5184/IMG_2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZWNpYzXHIHKhycy0QUkuMxeLpsd1Iw7oFrAidhBXdRJuaFZ0GlpWqHzuBAFW8B1hPt1d1YSW91w9SX5b_MJ-eY9QWq7GaOj1aBh0puevUYmEI7NR-6tQLzqv0aVFD-0BO17d-KCZOitoP1SUSlRoCw2f4NEzbzHwnYgvSl6d6lF05icl3go4bXby/s320/IMG_2141.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhPAa0VctDJpgozRShw9GiPfM6R5bo7txfs-4o_F2qHS5Np3OZRuJsB9Vc4yD8Cw3hoGE1fCbNG908MHEzG_BJxvWFk7VTxHqHoRMYcR0XjbqWMxBiXCIaijo9fYHRe1vWa2cxDrrhryeU-OBthxjaq1IZ2gXWt8F3KrvGpg9s0z5acmftyXJNuuX/s5184/IMG_2148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhPAa0VctDJpgozRShw9GiPfM6R5bo7txfs-4o_F2qHS5Np3OZRuJsB9Vc4yD8Cw3hoGE1fCbNG908MHEzG_BJxvWFk7VTxHqHoRMYcR0XjbqWMxBiXCIaijo9fYHRe1vWa2cxDrrhryeU-OBthxjaq1IZ2gXWt8F3KrvGpg9s0z5acmftyXJNuuX/s320/IMG_2148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I'm in Love With Ilhabela!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Bill and I were up early so that we could go to the lounge by 8:15 to begin our tour. I don't think I mentioned this before but there are 995 crew members on board and less than 800 passengers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The waters are so calm here that getting on the tender was no problem. We were the last two on and then it took off for the shore. Our guide walked us over to our tour bus and we were off!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Today's tour was night and day different from yesterday's. Our guide, who was 27, spoke excellent English. You could tell she loved what she was doing and also knew a lot about this island. Ilhabela is the largest island in Brazil. You could see the mainland across the water. Lucky for this small village, you have to take a ferry to the mainland. Of course, some people want a bridge to be built, but I think it would spoil the area. The island population is 42,000 in the winter, but in the summer they estimate it could be 5 times greater. However, we didn't see anyplace crowded and there are also no other cruise ships here.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKs5i1-bPYpqS0oJKH0W8iIG_KkW81lBS_ebQVaTVZa0nokjtrQFSu4fF1DWGeZ-ipG1mOE8CGobQ7GdEsCSpeC0YqkGI9XPZ3zlY-qMFbbFA0AVZ2gOqNpzgQxdv2gbpMhNaWjpFnfoF3irQxpwyWi5gVGei1E431K7nnHUrySxdY-RptxFg6kTB/s5184/IMG_2140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKs5i1-bPYpqS0oJKH0W8iIG_KkW81lBS_ebQVaTVZa0nokjtrQFSu4fF1DWGeZ-ipG1mOE8CGobQ7GdEsCSpeC0YqkGI9XPZ3zlY-qMFbbFA0AVZ2gOqNpzgQxdv2gbpMhNaWjpFnfoF3irQxpwyWi5gVGei1E431K7nnHUrySxdY-RptxFg6kTB/s320/IMG_2140.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our first stop was a church. It had some beautiful artwork inside but I thought the outside sculpture of Jesus on the cross was amazing. It was done by a local artist out of reclaimed materials. </span> <br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzj4lwR3zN5XrxO_dR4Eh02-OqTyw92o1lpY5JKmGoA8TZkdEITvGVuX7xhboh4y2nHo25Uu8wa0VD1gjuufam0yhYDHn6JrzSWEjlhCfcWLTNveHbyc2IGCABE-dB9edgBXcCI2DJmZlob0BFiyEyNaYzx0939qS0S6R41yrqTrSeo_k0H_R8Hl8/s5184/IMG_2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzj4lwR3zN5XrxO_dR4Eh02-OqTyw92o1lpY5JKmGoA8TZkdEITvGVuX7xhboh4y2nHo25Uu8wa0VD1gjuufam0yhYDHn6JrzSWEjlhCfcWLTNveHbyc2IGCABE-dB9edgBXcCI2DJmZlob0BFiyEyNaYzx0939qS0S6R41yrqTrSeo_k0H_R8Hl8/w300-h400/IMG_2141.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br />We were shown the old prison which has now been converted to a museum. Then we took a drive down the main street to see some colonial houses. These now must be preserved.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-uJw0v8FATQ2oKyH0MIrAROisulcJ4HWcpC7greaKcHBZ3cCg8VYIGM_v1myyo5vE1lwX2AASRyd6mhDlYK5giwCVpB8GI7HbJw_K3svGlhMStOie-alibAQ1uDqMOiTkMrGpGCiXS0so5V7nUieM7dGIFtsBKk-mWJB_sOcRDbnrfa_8nB2HOYT/s5184/IMG_2142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-uJw0v8FATQ2oKyH0MIrAROisulcJ4HWcpC7greaKcHBZ3cCg8VYIGM_v1myyo5vE1lwX2AASRyd6mhDlYK5giwCVpB8GI7HbJw_K3svGlhMStOie-alibAQ1uDqMOiTkMrGpGCiXS0so5V7nUieM7dGIFtsBKk-mWJB_sOcRDbnrfa_8nB2HOYT/s320/IMG_2142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The road followed the coastline and we learned that the forest on the island is protected. The villages are along the coast.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here's some more sculptures by the same artist that did Jesus on the Cross at the church. We were sitting in the back seat of the bus, so I didn't get great photos and do wish we could have stopped for a few minutes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We were happy to see Tara and Shawn, the English couple that we meet in Rio on the Christ the Redeemer tour. This is their first cruise and they are from England.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our first stop was at a waterfall and bird sanctuary. Victoria told us the island has 365 waterfalls, one for every day of the year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXeS7edG9d5dUfXdZPOnS1N33pAOO-CYkY95af6JzJ2TzMOLQ0yx0xcBIHUVVmbeAX5UaFF_slFBeEBEV2ZsEYJjnauNVTXTHqWIZWbEMlPqDaKgu1_Z_ZYBhbDC8mTbpmrnn7V8xcvnPij2VPrjTd0kP67lIUng8Bo48IugwpBPPAV1rZIAv7-2X/s5184/IMG_2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXeS7edG9d5dUfXdZPOnS1N33pAOO-CYkY95af6JzJ2TzMOLQ0yx0xcBIHUVVmbeAX5UaFF_slFBeEBEV2ZsEYJjnauNVTXTHqWIZWbEMlPqDaKgu1_Z_ZYBhbDC8mTbpmrnn7V8xcvnPij2VPrjTd0kP67lIUng8Bo48IugwpBPPAV1rZIAv7-2X/s320/IMG_2139.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKVCaCl6RGmui4aPe1zFCFuO5rY8Blr0SE4s9AhLPTTIFJ2-J8PMznft_tk3lxuhTfQvKiUZILc00C9U4kSuoPxoD2jCOG8TYh8Ix5ArQQRZqZdkzQzTy_gxq92bDYDosuKYL5H95aZuybND39Wew-HiC4OPgvltMBpqDr2dbP0JIL5ziV5ob-tEG/s5184/IMG_2144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKVCaCl6RGmui4aPe1zFCFuO5rY8Blr0SE4s9AhLPTTIFJ2-J8PMznft_tk3lxuhTfQvKiUZILc00C9U4kSuoPxoD2jCOG8TYh8Ix5ArQQRZqZdkzQzTy_gxq92bDYDosuKYL5H95aZuybND39Wew-HiC4OPgvltMBpqDr2dbP0JIL5ziV5ob-tEG/s320/IMG_2144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Our next stop was at another waterfall. As we left the bus we were told to stop and get some citronella for mosquitoes. I was glad I had packed our hiking sticks. The walkway went straight down and then you walked on large rocks. It was gorgeous, but a strenuous climb back up the hill.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUadush3pptcDQL_0lHhfD1rQCHb4qTyK9L0umg6YsFPG7miRlO1qD2cykyc-ONKsTTvuod2fLsBElCYLBQtVc7akIbT7323ERqEPtFPJ_eSryI584XKhntuT5xigIwXLwbE_KJx6OJHSjJR0mgsNBUtYU0xJJJtzv2x84swQUIQpy42rjvEpnIKE/s5184/IMG_2146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUadush3pptcDQL_0lHhfD1rQCHb4qTyK9L0umg6YsFPG7miRlO1qD2cykyc-ONKsTTvuod2fLsBElCYLBQtVc7akIbT7323ERqEPtFPJ_eSryI584XKhntuT5xigIwXLwbE_KJx6OJHSjJR0mgsNBUtYU0xJJJtzv2x84swQUIQpy42rjvEpnIKE/s320/IMG_2146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The owners of this sugar cane farm gave us a demonstration of how they make cachaca. They are the only place on the island where this is allowed to be made. It seems that sugar cane ruins the soil and the government does not allow it to be grown. The family that bought the farm back in 1957 has continuously occupied the farm. They have now turned it into a culture farm and they are allowed to distill a small amount of cachaca. They use all parts of the sugar cane. One part goes into making the drink, the other part that is at 60% alcohol is turned into a cleaning product and the last of it is used in fertilizer.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvlwkgZS7sc07O09TIylkXy-q9e6c_ZDn9t2zA1pixIXphd426s5SKXP7rwJCTBPakScAcUC0wJ0neUrmKWNxNOmzOFv6xUu9XLeKQVJbdF3CQ3ZNCZqPm95tieK9O4oKKDMQ9-mU512Pgm9WbTOM_kts5TY0YeVB1gwLAiqW8BzKUozl1hYX6GbN/s5184/IMG_2149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvlwkgZS7sc07O09TIylkXy-q9e6c_ZDn9t2zA1pixIXphd426s5SKXP7rwJCTBPakScAcUC0wJ0neUrmKWNxNOmzOFv6xUu9XLeKQVJbdF3CQ3ZNCZqPm95tieK9O4oKKDMQ9-mU512Pgm9WbTOM_kts5TY0YeVB1gwLAiqW8BzKUozl1hYX6GbN/s320/IMG_2149.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We walked around the village after the tour. It was very clean and the people were very friendly.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After returning to the ship, Bill and I finally found a little time to put on our swimsuits and go up on the deck to hear the music while we soaked in the pools.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakXpCeKJ71zbDDtw9uoyd2Tyhk0vBuFJ7ZfdNWfmpLeney6HLziqZ5xFNsfMzI42feqDEJyvRre8Zc0tQmJDhA-GtmX82uQ1W5nIMnKDYTd1aXlzDo0hnB81u5B1roijP0AKkp7kB4Zq4ei-ulJ5s1olbVIU5SZQI2KYyTOp2-IRcZEaCbANA3c3n/s5184/IMG_2152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakXpCeKJ71zbDDtw9uoyd2Tyhk0vBuFJ7ZfdNWfmpLeney6HLziqZ5xFNsfMzI42feqDEJyvRre8Zc0tQmJDhA-GtmX82uQ1W5nIMnKDYTd1aXlzDo0hnB81u5B1roijP0AKkp7kB4Zq4ei-ulJ5s1olbVIU5SZQI2KYyTOp2-IRcZEaCbANA3c3n/s320/IMG_2152.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I had my days mixed up and thought tomorrow was a day at sea. It's a good thing our tablemates straightened me out. When I got back to the room, I checked my tickets and sure enough we have the first tour of the day tomorrow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely.........</span></p><p><br /></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-18498805126532328402022-12-13T12:05:00.000-08:002022-12-13T12:05:20.436-08:00Buzios, Brazil<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The ship arrived in Buzios, Brazil around 8 am. Our tour was scheduled for noon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here's what I found in the daily planner about Buzios.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">"Some call this once tiny fishing village "the St. Tropez of Brazil" thanks to more than twenty beautiful beaches and a lively nightlife, especially during the Brazilian summer. Only two hours north of Rio de Janeiro, it is a popular getaway for locals to escape the crowded metropolis. In fact, Buzios has gained a reputation as an international jet-set destination with people flocking from all over the world to enjoy the beaches, boutique shopping, nightlife, and delicious local seafood. The Portuguese explored Pedro Alvares Cabral came ashore in northeast Brazil in 1500 and claimed it for King Manuel I and the Holy Roman Church, and promptly sailed away. Whaling was important in the 18th century, but was all but over by 1768, and Buzios went back to being a sleepy fishing village. It might still be that way today if it weren't for the arrival of a certain international starlet trying to escape the paparazzi in the 1960's. Bridget Bardot put tiny Buzios on the map and a statue in the town commeorates her stay."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Bill and I decided to leave early and explore the village and then do our tour. We had to use a tender to get to shore. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I have been on a lot tours in my day, but this was one of the worst. The only thing I learned was there were a lot of different beaches and the population in the winter (opposite of us) is about 30,000.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I couldn't wait to get off that trolley. Every road looked the same. It was a brick road surrounded by a lot of vegetation. We climbed to the top and the views were incredible but after a while it looked the same. There were no bathroom breaks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I decided not to take my phone today as I was afraid I'd drop it while getting in the tender. No problem, I took the old pocket canon camera for photos. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I found a great place for a photo and that's when I realized that the memory card was still in the computer in our cabin. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The weather was beautiful with a nice breeze. By the time we got back to the pier, it was clouding up. The tender left the pier right away. About halfway to the ship it got really windy and then started to rain. It was very rough and scary disembarking the tender.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The rain was over very quickly. It seems strange have the summer season now. The sunrise was around 5 am and no short days.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely..........</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p> </p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-50785527694561554432022-12-12T16:17:00.002-08:002022-12-12T16:17:31.418-08:00First Day Aboard the Infinity<p> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A good night's sleep hopefully will do wonders in my blogging. I'm sorry about all the mistakes. I pushed the publish button before I reread it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We had a very nice breakfast at the hotel. George and Linda had checked out early and were waiting in the lobby. I packed up the luggage but not before we put on our sandals as Bill and I wanted to take a walk on the beach. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There were paths to the beach from the Hilton. The path had a long irrigation type hose with sprinklers that kept the sand hard and cool all the way down to the lounges and umbrella area. Of course, we both had to put our feet in the water. It was very warm and I can see now why it was so crowded over the weekend.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We also walked the street around the hotel looking for a souvenir or Christmas ornament for the travel Christmas tree. It's usally the only thing we purchase on a trip.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Bill and I went upstairs to get our luggage and found out that our key had been deactivated. Linda had returned the key I gave her the day before so they could retrieve their luggage fro our room when their room was ready. When I saw the long line at the desk, I remembered that we belonged to the Hilton Honors and went there with no waiting.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Linda had arranged our transfer to the ship and we didn't have long to wait. Our driver picked us up promptly at 11 as we had a noon check in for the ship. On the drive over it was overcast but we could clearly see the Christ the Redeemer today. Go figure, my camera and phone were in the trunk with the bags.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When we arrived the porter grabbed all or our bags. They told us to wait while they got a wheelchair for George. We just showed our boarding pass on the phone and then boarded the ship. No waiting whatsoever, and yes, I was able to get it on my phone.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We went upstairs for lunch and when we returned our bags had arrived. Lot's more storage and drawer space than some of the other ships we've been on. Our balcony looks out at the bridge. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We went up on the pool deck to watch Brazilian Roots--The Carnival of Emotion, a dance show. One thing we learned about Brazil is that they don't wear much in clothing. Everyone, and I mean, everyone wears a thong regardless of your size or figure. I don't mean the type you wear on your feet! One of the dancers had a little gold round thing about a fifty cent piece size that covered her nipples. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Since I can't seem to figure out how to get the photos from my Iphone to the computer, I decided to write the narrative on the blog and post the photos on Facebook. If you are a blog reader, contact me and I'll friend you on Facebook. If there is anyone out there that can help me transferring the photos, I'd appreciate any help I can get. I'll post the photos tomorrow once I get another password.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I counted 5 tables in the half of our dining room for dinner that were occupied. We had the most interesting table mates at our table. They have lived in Russia, Israel and now Canada. When I asked our waiter about how many were on board, he said less than half full but the next cruise is sold out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I had prebooked all of the side tours using the Celebrity credit and also our travel agent's. I found out I still had $200 credit. I went down and booked a tour in Buzio, Brazil for tomorrow. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I finally figured out that when I turned the computer on, it knocks out the WIFI on the phone. I should have used two passwords instead of one. Our free WIFI is for one devices each.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I know the show tonight sounded good, but decided to go back and relax this evening in our cabin.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">That's all for today.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely.......</span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-71470319116677490502022-12-12T02:04:00.003-08:002022-12-12T02:06:03.542-08:00Rio de Janeiro!!!<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I vowed to keep up the blog so I would have these memories in print. I'm behind already.</span></p><p> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Sherry and Dave were kind enough to drive us to the airport since it wasn't in the middle of the night. We left by 8 am allowing exta time in case the freeway shuts down. The airlines tell you to allow 3 hours but our last flight from Tel Aviv that said 4 hours, was way too close as they were boarding the plane when we got to the gate.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This was our first time on Jet Blue. When we arrived at the airport, the airline wasn't open until 2 hours before our flight. Our bags were tagged but you couldn't drop them off. Phoenix redid terminal 3 but didn't allow for any seating on that floor to wait for the airlines to open. Lucky for us, they opened a few minutes after George and Linda arrived. Linda had trouble with kiosk so had to wait in a short line to get her bags tagged. I was so proud that I could get the darn machine to work without any help that I didn't check the bag tags to make sure they were going straight through to GIG in Rio.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">No problems with the plane as it arrived in New York 25 minutes early. George, Linda and Bill all had wheel chairs and it took awhile before they had all that squared away. We had to travel from terminal 3 to terminal 8 at JFK. I don't know the actual distance but I'm sure it was a couple of miles and lucky for us, the wheel chair pushers knew exactly where to go. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We had to go downstairs and wait in a little room for a bus to take us to terminal 8. Then when we arrived we had to wait for the wheel chairs. We had almost 3 hours between flights. Our gate was the last one in terminal 8. When we finally got down to it, the sign said boarding was in 20 minutes. Just enough time to walk back to the end where the bathrooms were. This was the shortest international flight we've ever taking. The plane landed almost an hour early just under 8 hours. Now it's Sunday morning. Wheelchairs and drivers took the group through the passport control in a special line, so no waiting. Wow! I couldn't believe smoothly everything was going. We had prepaid for two private cars to take us to the hotel. The wheelchair drivers led the group down to baggage claim. The asked for our bag description and waited and waited and waited and waited. Then we went to another place and they looked up our bags. Good news they found them, bad news they were in New York. No problem they'll bring them to the hotel. Only problem is they don't have daily flights to Rio. The bags will have to go to Miami and then to Rio. The ship departs at 10 pm but if they don't arrive before the ship departs they will send them to Buzio our next stop. I used to take two carry ons but only used one this trip. This took a while before we had all the paperwork. I was happy that our drivers were still waiting for us.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xYhV-pjDuoMItfbylbY88XHRzio6PVpo34wQaks80-uKDuXzVCNJ4Gs0ViRP9e1mDRxqDMqdFex5Mxa_uvTwFu21yMQZnp0tdtUXWGEZvqwdPUCjppYHRrTiadZxe5yKdiPlwZaeLxAPPl2tzkJQGVMXGyIKNlDntFZD9sH5IkyOgw-78jU-qIn7/s5184/IMG_2121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xYhV-pjDuoMItfbylbY88XHRzio6PVpo34wQaks80-uKDuXzVCNJ4Gs0ViRP9e1mDRxqDMqdFex5Mxa_uvTwFu21yMQZnp0tdtUXWGEZvqwdPUCjppYHRrTiadZxe5yKdiPlwZaeLxAPPl2tzkJQGVMXGyIKNlDntFZD9sH5IkyOgw-78jU-qIn7/s320/IMG_2121.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I think we arrived at the hotel around 11am. The ocean front view rooms weren't ready but they had a side view ready so Bill and I took it. It is on the 33rd floor and is a corner view room. George and Linda were able to bring their carry on stuff to our room. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">We had a tour to Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf mountain and cable car booked for 1:30. Now bear in mind this is Sunday and we left the day before. I had on my zip off travel pants, so I was able to have shorts. I had a t shirt under my sweatshirt so I had removed the sweatshirt in the airport. George and Linda decided at the last minute not to take the tour. It was a very physically challenging tour and they were also exhausted. This small tour had four other people, one couple who is going to be on the cruise. I told Bill, "why would anyone go to Disneyland when you could get a thrilling ride just riding down the streets of Rio." We've been to alot of places in the world, but nowhere like this. Our driver had that minibus going down the streets like some action movie. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our tour guide was wonderful and she had so much energy. We went through many tunnels here. It seems like they just blast out a mountain and put in a tunnel and there's another cove like area for a town. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Matilda did mention that they have had a lot of rain and this was the first weekend that they had sun. Everyone was on the beach. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3dNoIbQ2AlEm1jgObd9Gwgsxz-n8WPy3Go6KtTj8DxMUDmz2TgSUeb4bLTlQrJmu0baCQI6VUQ1HIx_LayPWJMlbRiYH7Ew-RAcH5BhQiDFa1jDfOumPr10Z7rrYwelmZ7co04ukh3do2Q3FB3y9izHW0m8cHbV35Mi__O_X6laETEceoBdOeoEC/s5184/IMG_2120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3dNoIbQ2AlEm1jgObd9Gwgsxz-n8WPy3Go6KtTj8DxMUDmz2TgSUeb4bLTlQrJmu0baCQI6VUQ1HIx_LayPWJMlbRiYH7Ew-RAcH5BhQiDFa1jDfOumPr10Z7rrYwelmZ7co04ukh3do2Q3FB3y9izHW0m8cHbV35Mi__O_X6laETEceoBdOeoEC/s320/IMG_2120.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here's a photo from our room.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">It's a good thing I don't get car sick because we climbed up this mountain through a huge forest. The switchback road was made of bricks. We passed the colonial home of the coffee plantation owners. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Matilda told us that the forest is the largest national park in the world. We drove up to what I thought was the top. We exited the minibus and then had to climb a very steep walkway to the top. Once Matilda handed us the tickets we then had to walk back and forth through a maze, which is usually crowded with people. This took us back down to the area where we were left the bus. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfqMTWsNOYwdGImZQR8qqydIFz08z60F33ixLls5EtOwkY1_6UVroD4-JVsI-4H5Fsef_ASv0KrxJtkJmA7aercHwy4MtfCfg9CDorfhoSASNFg96iAuhxAv1l3OW14TzZZbZzWZaMAzYrHuUgRdIuU0pgkmxmF2BdFlrKHSfrvqsTX6LHNWZDTDH/s5184/IMG_2122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfqMTWsNOYwdGImZQR8qqydIFz08z60F33ixLls5EtOwkY1_6UVroD4-JVsI-4H5Fsef_ASv0KrxJtkJmA7aercHwy4MtfCfg9CDorfhoSASNFg96iAuhxAv1l3OW14TzZZbZzWZaMAzYrHuUgRdIuU0pgkmxmF2BdFlrKHSfrvqsTX6LHNWZDTDH/s320/IMG_2122.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Now we got in a van operated by the National Park and then went back up the road. These roads were very narrow. Once to the top, we exited the van and had to take an elevator and then two escalators to the top. When we started up the escalators we were in fog. It was clear below, but foggy. Now the weather was not great for photos, but you could still see the size. It wasn't easy seeing the mosaic but you could make it out. I wish I had thought to bring the binoculars in the carry on. <br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The monkeys like the ones in Gibralter were also all over the place. I took a lot of photos on my phone, but still not sure how to transfer to the computer so I can put in the blog. The Nikon camera quit opening up again. I've figured out that it works fine in a dry climate but the humidity must do something to it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">We then drove down to another area where you could see the city. The coastline is huge but not straight. A lot of different beaches. We are in Copacabana.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We could see Sugarloaf Mountain from this point. The drive to it was another adventure. Our timing was perfect as there were no lines. Our guide purchased the tickets and up we went.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyw8a_XDreTn6AZjlB1Zx5bJWWtfvmuxCstwxOELhXmDESeQruMjk9xuEqrRLWrw7RrlqrXHwZ58uCRei2rgJn1k5UwJLAfe1LqitLY57iFi6qpj_dN069yvolUqeDhb7MAoBXkXelabbmAKueJuxJsGdBp51YAcHi-TAe1h94ZQPg_O9wfzRDYXV/s5184/IMG_2130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyw8a_XDreTn6AZjlB1Zx5bJWWtfvmuxCstwxOELhXmDESeQruMjk9xuEqrRLWrw7RrlqrXHwZ58uCRei2rgJn1k5UwJLAfe1LqitLY57iFi6qpj_dN069yvolUqeDhb7MAoBXkXelabbmAKueJuxJsGdBp51YAcHi-TAe1h94ZQPg_O9wfzRDYXV/s320/IMG_2130.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">You went up so far and then had to take a second cable car to the top. It's the second longest one in the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsXFPpHXxYLIpiLLg-pFhE5g_5HrCtgd8ASI-b8_aKJ3dIS22vkiY5wZodGWK_11zovdQ38YhAixzWyf33KL7I6OQ7eon62fd29P-8ivQZ6ue4-Wy2I9sFTwIAZ4QRvVy1oyt23rYppTQZr7W33woWPx26U7s0KthUOct6AR_BoPW9XWhfJFLkZRQ/s5184/IMG_2136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsXFPpHXxYLIpiLLg-pFhE5g_5HrCtgd8ASI-b8_aKJ3dIS22vkiY5wZodGWK_11zovdQ38YhAixzWyf33KL7I6OQ7eon62fd29P-8ivQZ6ue4-Wy2I9sFTwIAZ4QRvVy1oyt23rYppTQZr7W33woWPx26U7s0KthUOct6AR_BoPW9XWhfJFLkZRQ/s320/IMG_2136.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This tour lasted 5 hours. Matilda was great and having just a few people and no crowds was perfect.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When we arrived back at the hotel we were too tired to go out and explore the area for dinner. I had a text from Linda and knew they were in bed. We ended up going down to the 4th floor where the pool, restaurant and bar had a view of the beach and nightlife and had a beer and sandwiches. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When we went back to our room about 8 pm I had a surprise. There was our luggage! Can't be any better start to our South American adventure than that!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Turtle Safely........</span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-69495788128678228962022-11-06T14:27:00.002-08:002022-11-06T14:27:56.493-08:00<p> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Day 8--Cyprus/Turkey in One Day</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcvuA-zz0HFak19ZurRQr_qDcFiUfLkhN9JHquLxiXLCBHIaeHAHfdMTDwg5ROZuHs8HS-ugZ_q4ngwwaK1VB7QLRRUQIfqiuYEXEn7xfRf67QbxvRNyPOtqg5jppYseFzmlrGbNTsGdCAKdY2vo9dxfz9gRFGwHLBfsDnfIKu_3lmcZRlOKD1L0U/s5184/IMG_2060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcvuA-zz0HFak19ZurRQr_qDcFiUfLkhN9JHquLxiXLCBHIaeHAHfdMTDwg5ROZuHs8HS-ugZ_q4ngwwaK1VB7QLRRUQIfqiuYEXEn7xfRf67QbxvRNyPOtqg5jppYseFzmlrGbNTsGdCAKdY2vo9dxfz9gRFGwHLBfsDnfIKu_3lmcZRlOKD1L0U/s320/IMG_2060.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br />We left the ship at 8:40. Today we had to carry our passports as we had to cross the border into Turkey.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Bill has his dressing on his hand changed every morning, so we leave breakfast and go directly to the infirmary. We had to pass through the harbor security but all we needed to do was show our ship pass. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Once that was done our local guide met us and escorted us to the bus. We are docked on the southern part of the country in Larnaka, Cyprus. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It took about 50 minutes to drive north to the capital, Lefkosia. Did I mention they drive on the other side of the road? This capital is the only one located in two countries. We walked a short way to the border. We showed our passports and then walked through the buffer zone which is controlled by the United Nations. There was no where to go in the buffer zone other than stright ahead to another border control. Once we cleared passport control there was a Turkish escort that stayed with us. It was night and day difference in that short block. Seemed like a third world country. Cyprus was very modern and clean and Turkey was just the opposite.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpglpjuHaTaJ2V83oYoNXzRU7pTPeCxYETK1WUYUfaRwjCWBDpBQbUs6mxNn5JwuPvchyMGuFs6_CbS36AC7q8gdktHZ8LYgwSfWyE1-bJ05WbW2cs7jA4k2noRssCSutvBhWwPl24Duc0BojaVa_bkWQHfeh_pf2tMHBO5yem1Yj9FNjBTOHJydT/s5184/IMG_2045.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpglpjuHaTaJ2V83oYoNXzRU7pTPeCxYETK1WUYUfaRwjCWBDpBQbUs6mxNn5JwuPvchyMGuFs6_CbS36AC7q8gdktHZ8LYgwSfWyE1-bJ05WbW2cs7jA4k2noRssCSutvBhWwPl24Duc0BojaVa_bkWQHfeh_pf2tMHBO5yem1Yj9FNjBTOHJydT/s320/IMG_2045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This was a very nice "caravan hotel" back in 1574 on the Turkie side.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">We had some time on our own and I wanted to find a battery for our camera as I forgot to bring the charger. I did find a Christmas Ornament from Cyprus but all I could find from Turkey was a small flag for the travel Christmas tree. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We were told not to get anything to eat until we returned to the Cyprus section.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">That's as far as I got on the blog. Bill and I got home very early this morning.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I should have taken notes. I do remember we had a lot going on and no time to even sit down at the computer. We enjoyed one day at sea with a very busy schedule. Members of the Sir Edmund Hillary club were invited to a cocktail party. Harry and Dee just completed their 30th trip. We have completed 16 trips, it's a shame I can't count the ones we signed up for that were cancelled.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We were told that 47 of the 74 passengers have all completed 3 or more trips. The captain told us that they were paid during the pandemic. No wonder they were so great. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I gained a pound and half. I'm sure a lot of that is from sampling all the canapes. They were all so pretty and different. The waiters kept trying to encourage us to try all of them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The farewell dinner, of course, offered lobster tail and baked alaska with some other alternatives. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdEDJ82Atl-O0azeNT363xdifbzvsURj-nlowqNAjS3gee507FJhOCJFyKQVnRH484yLNCi6txa2DmTkOHpSgokxlaaZWqf6AgAiZTpiopyAPFplAi3Z18yalxyEm7eK8gtjxNo79LXzCx4LcDTX4AYxtrBsQPrwMGj-Ho3GABA47bBLYP2Vw5XYC/s5184/IMG_2054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdEDJ82Atl-O0azeNT363xdifbzvsURj-nlowqNAjS3gee507FJhOCJFyKQVnRH484yLNCi6txa2DmTkOHpSgokxlaaZWqf6AgAiZTpiopyAPFplAi3Z18yalxyEm7eK8gtjxNo79LXzCx4LcDTX4AYxtrBsQPrwMGj-Ho3GABA47bBLYP2Vw5XYC/s320/IMG_2054.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The following morning we disembarked the ship in Haifa. Israel is very different than most countries. They don't stamp your passport, they give you a stamp with your photo on it. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our first stop was the Baha'i Gardens. Once again it's difficult to describe. Can you imagine cutting grass with sicissors? <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEzwCcUvf2Ba4uRyiVfAgJ8FTfVLBPino9yNfsVuVnM1S2Id8eDE-6v_DSh-4buYjaz8QddVYVrzt2eYPjHAIruzbyCNecwHAP4gIJITae8dAWJU6GTTCO8zamUUZg7dvcWMjMb6Fa1t4pQYczuUQvjgEJukl3scnUgTpK06eSeAK2LstxU6UNWuW/s5184/IMG_2056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEzwCcUvf2Ba4uRyiVfAgJ8FTfVLBPino9yNfsVuVnM1S2Id8eDE-6v_DSh-4buYjaz8QddVYVrzt2eYPjHAIruzbyCNecwHAP4gIJITae8dAWJU6GTTCO8zamUUZg7dvcWMjMb6Fa1t4pQYczuUQvjgEJukl3scnUgTpK06eSeAK2LstxU6UNWuW/s320/IMG_2056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you look closely you can see the ship in the harbor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXO1IvXAoLPhy5xrh2sgliB4ofi4SWi2J-Ub_UJWGFd1hzrVxL0KqSRAyCJbqsy2yOHY67dl57fEJSYgttm95I4h2SXrfBQBap7XJZ1OetjLL9HpPCylf2gNmvDkQKepfHH0Bkeyy5IdERucXv4tTRdjSWlEMTQxc-IJlHmAdpl1pqUqMaM25emRLC/s5184/IMG_2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXO1IvXAoLPhy5xrh2sgliB4ofi4SWi2J-Ub_UJWGFd1hzrVxL0KqSRAyCJbqsy2yOHY67dl57fEJSYgttm95I4h2SXrfBQBap7XJZ1OetjLL9HpPCylf2gNmvDkQKepfHH0Bkeyy5IdERucXv4tTRdjSWlEMTQxc-IJlHmAdpl1pqUqMaM25emRLC/s320/IMG_2061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here's another photo of the gardens.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">From here we visited Caesarea. I'll have to tell you about that in the next blog.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely.......</span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-432940784266230662022-11-01T12:55:00.000-07:002022-11-01T12:55:03.694-07:00<p> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Day 7--Rhodes and Day 8 at sea</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Playing catchup with the blog, is not something I like to do.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The crew must have been up all night decorating the ship for Halloween. Bill really appreciates anyone who can carve. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The waiters all dressed for the occasion to serve our meals. The menu for the day had a halloween description, I forget the name they had on the lobster tail.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Our tour in Rhodes began at 9:20 with our guide and also a local guide. The four groups always leave at different times to reduce any crowds. We were the only ship in the harbor at that time. Vasilis told us that many shops are closing on October 31 for the season. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Rhodes is the largest island of the Duodecane. We could see Turkey which is 11 miles away. The weather was once again perfect. Our guide showed us the three gates of this Old Town. We've been here before, but different guides all tell you different and interesting things.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After touring the Old Town we proceeded up a long hill. This road was one of the oldest in the world and led us to the Palace of the Grand Master. Our group was the only one in the Palace. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Palace had an additional 70 steps to get into it. There was no handrail and the steps were very steep. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Palace has been rebuilt after an earthquake. There are mosaics on the floors everywhere. It's hard to imagine these are 1,700 to 2,000 years old. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As we were walking back to the ship a big ship was coming into the harbor. It was so nice not having a lot of tourists in town while we were there. After dinner, the tour guides had a nightime walk through Old Town but decided not to go.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Beer and wine are included with this tour. It's not one glass at dinner but anytime you want one. They had free cocktails and wine today. I might also mention that we have free wifi. Tips are paid to all local guides porter, and drivers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We had a magic show for the nightly entertainment.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Today we had another beautiful day. After breakfast we had a talk "The Church of the Holy Sepulcer and the Status Quo". It was very interesting and well presented. A half hour later we had a towel folding master class along with bloody marys. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After lunch we attended a discussion on Cypress Conflict. This was followed by the people that have taken three or more trips. The couple we were sitting with had 30 trips. Makes our 16 trips seem like nothing. They received a very nice gift. The canapes and champagne were very good. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We were told that of the 74 passengers, 47 are in the Sir Hillary Edmund Club--three or more trips. They also told us that many companies went out of business during the pandemic. Anyone that had a trip booked during the pandemic were offered their money refunded or the option to rebook. The vast majority said they'd wait for another date. This allowed the company to pay their employees,(not 100%) even though they weren't doing trips. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Tomorrow we arrive in Cyprus. While we have a tour of Cyprus, it was announced that we will also have a tour of Turkey. We'll need to have our passports with us. I always wanted to visit "Checkpoint Charlie" so this will be the next best thing. I can tell our tour guides are nervous and they want this to be a good tour.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We had a tour of the ship's bridge. Bill sat in the Captain's chair. We learned what it takes to sail this ship.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We skipped tonight's ships crew show, which I'm sure was good. I wanted to finish this and try and catch up before tomorrow's tour. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The doctor says Bill's hand is coming along. He changes the dressing every morning. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely........</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-27170495086213251852022-10-30T12:14:00.000-07:002022-10-30T12:14:22.507-07:00Day 6--Symi, Greece<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The crew is so kind to us that they gave us an extra hour of sleep (due to the time change). They changed everyone's clock, while we enjoyed last night's meal. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Bill and I were both so tired we didn't go to last night's entertainment. Santorina was our least favorite island, but I'm sure that is because of the crowds of tourists. Patmos was much nicer and I'm sure that the fact that Clio was the only ship in the harbor had to do with that ranking. I don't know how the harbor being closed affected the big ships, but it was nice that they weren't there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Symi is gorgeous, however, at first I thought we were lost as my phone said welcome to Turkey. Very quaint and quiet. The yellow group was scheduled to leave at 8:15. Sunday breakfast is always served with champagne. Dolphins were on both sides of the ship. As we were enjoying breakfast, I remembered Bill was supposed to see the doctor to have his dressing changed. We made a quick visit to the infirmary to have the dressing changed on Bill's hand. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">The ship is docked in Symi and our bus was waiting for us as we departed the ship. The driver took us up to the top of the mountain and the other side. The scenery was gorgeous.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">We then visited a Monastery, the Castle of the Knights of St. John and when we arrived found out that someone was being ordained as a new priest. It was erected in the 14th century atop the remnants of a fifth century monastery. It was built on the site of an ancient temple to Athena. This little area is expecting 6,000 people later in the day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">We enjoyed a short walk around the small cove. Vasilis had told us to use the toilets to our left. We walked further down the road and saw a WC sign. These were "eastern squat toilets". Now I know why he suggested we go left. Haven't seen those since we toured China. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyatfGJeR23Y7DHethiOp3-4faH7cx8S9up-CH6eiOJQ0326x-KioIbTQq1EE-RANy6UoIdlri72_4JrcJ_D9X1-MLMCESUCmfP2i7NUC1ZJD23FlgBYp1Z1SCSC2Mip71uMiKorMv_ZzPjpHmdiXbU7brrTBpnpK0agaZFvwSC-_iXZqTyU6RziLI/s5184/IMG_2026.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyatfGJeR23Y7DHethiOp3-4faH7cx8S9up-CH6eiOJQ0326x-KioIbTQq1EE-RANy6UoIdlri72_4JrcJ_D9X1-MLMCESUCmfP2i7NUC1ZJD23FlgBYp1Z1SCSC2Mip71uMiKorMv_ZzPjpHmdiXbU7brrTBpnpK0agaZFvwSC-_iXZqTyU6RziLI/s320/IMG_2026.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Our driver took us to the town where Vasilia showed us the statues of the sponge divers. The divers would go out to sea and stay for long period of times. The first divers would hold a big rock to get them to the bottom faster. The daughter of the sponge shop owner told us that the longest record was 3 minutes and 58 seconds to a depth of almost 80 meters (approximate 250 feet?). Then they advanced to the helmet with the air hose. The only problem was the bends. The way they "tested" them was to make sure they didn't come up too fast, was to give them a cigarette and if they could smoke it, they were OK.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6N3VMu-e-6BbhNtI9azoqv49QwGdprEeDqPyRIlPfKXe3lF5NJ1Qw_tpFcFihfIhJPjtt0qkeF_CzamWrl-d-E38L6XCSuBu7yB1fphpal4aEu4yVRfZ4Car-KXr44xpoWmiSLGmO2DpweuBmOa1GalXiVg89f7KPNLB1PBQmu5gqV8yVUn9_sVp/s5184/IMG_2025.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6N3VMu-e-6BbhNtI9azoqv49QwGdprEeDqPyRIlPfKXe3lF5NJ1Qw_tpFcFihfIhJPjtt0qkeF_CzamWrl-d-E38L6XCSuBu7yB1fphpal4aEu4yVRfZ4Car-KXr44xpoWmiSLGmO2DpweuBmOa1GalXiVg89f7KPNLB1PBQmu5gqV8yVUn9_sVp/s320/IMG_2025.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The ship had to sail away from the dock at 12:30 to allow the ferry to use the dock. We were told that we could stay in the village as the ship would be back later, but I think everyone went back to the ship for lunch. There's two sections of upper decks and everyone was out working on their tans. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There was a high tea in the afternoon but Bill and I both opted for a nap after getting to much sun. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I'm not sure how to transfer photos from my phone to the blog, so you'll have to see the photo of Katarinettes on Facebook. This is where the Germans </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">surrendered control of the Dodecanese at the end of World War II ending Axis occupation. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">We've met some really nice people, who I know will stay in touch. Once the ship docked again a lot of people walked down to the beach and away from the tourist shops. I did manage to find a swimsuit coverup for our next trip. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">We only have a few more days on board, and we still haven't had time to open the bottle of champagne that was in our room. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIssK-GpBS9Idp3DZ_KmCtW1rEzWgud7lkNxQOZl0nE4ZdtfFNhEb1NprkdfOo2JJhC9zDfmOj-k-x4C2ofGLK_MH4qdLFMazOreTzCUTAnHJksXUyYcUW8ZcegeuvmRRTRPRDe0tbflWIxit7Kf56mZYw7rXyYKOfn1c1mHb_kOidHCeNfCqStJA/s5184/IMG_2027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIssK-GpBS9Idp3DZ_KmCtW1rEzWgud7lkNxQOZl0nE4ZdtfFNhEb1NprkdfOo2JJhC9zDfmOj-k-x4C2ofGLK_MH4qdLFMazOreTzCUTAnHJksXUyYcUW8ZcegeuvmRRTRPRDe0tbflWIxit7Kf56mZYw7rXyYKOfn1c1mHb_kOidHCeNfCqStJA/s320/IMG_2027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Dinner was great once again. We went to the lounge for tonights entertainment and Bill and I left because we were both cold. Still had our shorts on, and with the door opening for those who wanted to go ashore we could feel the cooler air. Our tour guides suggested we go ashore as the bars were closing for the season after tonight. We don't leave for Crete until 5 am. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Turtle Safely........</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p> </p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-32966429570850232362022-10-29T11:34:00.005-07:002022-10-29T21:17:53.068-07:00Day 5--Patmos<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfJOyH8K7ouBa2wFcrVD4p-jArARDNZLbPuY0IY26oZHd2WxVuwc4x-6wmwD0ll4YNn1_Ff4IOcgSPzXi05BUaRvnY7l45bdzvY8iQQ4gliFfhWanirtD1mNIN91BtPs3dRJuMczs7o92hg0t_Eebg2YSE9L5vL_DjzNDwjS79PyD3cI02cgXc1hu/s5184/IMG_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfJOyH8K7ouBa2wFcrVD4p-jArARDNZLbPuY0IY26oZHd2WxVuwc4x-6wmwD0ll4YNn1_Ff4IOcgSPzXi05BUaRvnY7l45bdzvY8iQQ4gliFfhWanirtD1mNIN91BtPs3dRJuMczs7o92hg0t_Eebg2YSE9L5vL_DjzNDwjS79PyD3cI02cgXc1hu/s320/IMG_2014.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br />Our first thing we did this morning was visit the ship's doctor. He tried to find us last night as he wanted to check up on the work the hospital did on Bill's hand. He changed the dressing and asked us to come to the infirmary every morning to have the dressing changed. He wanted a copy of the doctor' report. He also gave Bill some antibiotics to take for the next week. The swelling has gone done and it looked much better.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> One of the things I forgot to mention was the beautiful weather and wonderful food. There is always something going on. Yesterday we had margaritas on the upper deck as we watched the sunset. Every night they have a special wine for lunch and dinner, one red and one white. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don't think anyone has taken advantage of th</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">e electric bicycles you can use when in port. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There just aren't enough hours in the day to enjoy everything. I want to get a massage sometime on this voyage. There were only four women in the yoga class this morning.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We just returned from a controversial talk on the migrants and refugees. They always try and give both sides of a topic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I must have missed the news, as the dock in Patmos </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">was closed as a cruise ship sunk here about a week ago. We had to tender into the harbor instead of docking. Of course, our small group of 74 can all fit on one boat.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Vasilis introduced us to our local guide. Our local guide told us Patmos is one of the original dozen islands of the Dodecanese and are sacred islands of the ancient land. The island is about the</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">size of New Jersey.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There are alot of folk stories about Zeus and Poseiden.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">But the number one reason people come to Patmos is it is the home of St. John the Evangelist. St. John lived in a grotto</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">beneath the Temple of Diana. We toured the Holy Cave of the Apocalpse. Here he wrote the Gospel, and also the Book of Revelations.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We also toured the 11th century Monastery of St. John. It sits on the top of the island and can be seen from anywhere on the island. Photos of course, were not allowed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Holy Cave of Apolcalypse now has ramps down to it, when we were here before I believe there were steps. At the Monastery you climbed up steps that switchbacked. There were places to stop for those who couldn't make it to the top. We made it to the top, but I was glad it wasn't much further.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We were shown the cracks in the walls of the cave and also where he slept on the floor. What a feeling to know you where walking where he walked.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwphspWHobi02c-c3MkIqgQJ20nb42iHU-7UfmhMPrjKCfYI05DinGtXxuTmbIQOwmADuIvCnduHLowG_0DYxGzjzZ5MlniZt1DZTuwx8fnHC13M9p6hrZdc_hvnpRcH9VDueCFk8cE2L4J74p7B9xAHH4b-OUmnffUxbufG5MnIemeMPCmS6PKwh/s5184/IMG_2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwphspWHobi02c-c3MkIqgQJ20nb42iHU-7UfmhMPrjKCfYI05DinGtXxuTmbIQOwmADuIvCnduHLowG_0DYxGzjzZ5MlniZt1DZTuwx8fnHC13M9p6hrZdc_hvnpRcH9VDueCFk8cE2L4J74p7B9xAHH4b-OUmnffUxbufG5MnIemeMPCmS6PKwh/s320/IMG_2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We visited the museum that had priceless religous relics.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The bus took us back down to the port. We had about an hour on our own to explore the shops.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We were back onboard in time for lunch. Bill and I both went back to our room for a short nap until one of the tour leaders gave a talk.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">All members of the ship's crew call you by your name. I don't know how they can do it, I'm still having trouble remembering.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Tomorrow we explore Symi.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely.......</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-12892645456358273412022-10-28T10:56:00.000-07:002022-10-28T10:56:02.616-07:00Day Three and Four--Santorini <p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I was so tired last night, I didn't have much time to tell you about yesterday. This will be brief as there is a lot more to mention. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our small group of 18 people ate in Plaka. It was a small intimate restaurant/bar. The food was terrific but I have no idea what I had other than the beet salad. Our guide told us what each dish was called and the ingredients but by the time all these dishes were passed, I forgot.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We had an hour to wander around the shops before we took the bus to the cruise terminal. There were four different buses of less than 20 travelers each. All we had to do was show our passports, go through the TSA and we were onboard. We were met by the staff, and they carried our carry ons to our room. Each one of the groups arrived ten minutes from the others so there was no waiting.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We were suppose to be on the third floor but found our cabin had been upgraded to the fourth floor. The room is lovely and at least twice the size of the cabin on the 50 passenger ship we took to in December. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Shortly after arriving we went to the lounge for welcome drinks. Everyone on the ship was introduced down to the dishwasher and laundry people.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We were giving the nightly port talk, which tells us what the following day's adventure was going to be. Dinner was served and it was a five course dinner. There were no compliants. The wine glasses never got below half full.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We came up to the room and fell into bed. During the port talk, we were told the seas were going to be rough and to stop at reception for sea sick pills.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Around 4 am I heard this terrible noise. I jumped out of bed and found Bill on the floor. He got up to use the bathroom and tripped over the doorway. I guess I also failed to mention that I unplugged two of the night lights to use the electric sockets. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">He is on blood thinners so I've learned not to be too alramed when I see blood. He was concerned because he got blood on the carpet. I called the front desk and the receptionist said she'd call the doctor. I didn't even have time to get dressed before he arrived. He bandaged up Bill's hand and said he'd need to go to the hospital once we arrived in Santorini.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When we went down for breakfast, Vasilis said I should have called him too. He said they would make all the arrangements for Bill to go to the hospital. The doctor wanted it verified that he didn't have a broken bone.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We took the tenders to shore and took the cable car up the hill. Vasilis took the group to the bus and introduced the local guide to our group. He then left the group and took us to a private hospital. He'd already picked up our passports at the front desk. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpIN7WgfeO3Uho_GOJK_r6xjzCnuz3wKTAW8hJsK8MCyVPzF1DNq3LmllxjSX2VZ8_P2NAYlFaf-do1GwNCCuc-bZJjS2nJnmk8m4Y4ts9WSCuUeeOv_D9xyAh35BMo7Ssa_WUpnPOfbQBaZCqVjyaWvisNfWhM612fBrUjoglbFI8rlpo_JdYlj0/s5184/IMG_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpIN7WgfeO3Uho_GOJK_r6xjzCnuz3wKTAW8hJsK8MCyVPzF1DNq3LmllxjSX2VZ8_P2NAYlFaf-do1GwNCCuc-bZJjS2nJnmk8m4Y4ts9WSCuUeeOv_D9xyAh35BMo7Ssa_WUpnPOfbQBaZCqVjyaWvisNfWhM612fBrUjoglbFI8rlpo_JdYlj0/s320/IMG_2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We had to wait as there was a Korean girl who didn't speak English in surgery. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">An hour later, the doctor took Bill back. He was worried about infection and made him soak in something for 30 minutes. Then the took him back to the "theater" Two nurses both undressed him. The even had foot and head coverings. An hour later the doctor came out to say he did fine. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLZe5QIhUShRft8o8V71lD2qKQaTt0Wqjhs4z-UI4O1ctaxXCuc5IhAk91iSgRLcg4JV3IDleBDrVwaKBMqMVPUPkjya-UV2QxcCv801IB2XVrviQIC-aMWZBhwqv6Nw3EcgqDcPPQTlh3xnVihDffmcgXgKmNYbtA0c9bFxcShtQkra7amY82tpp/s5184/IMG_1999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLZe5QIhUShRft8o8V71lD2qKQaTt0Wqjhs4z-UI4O1ctaxXCuc5IhAk91iSgRLcg4JV3IDleBDrVwaKBMqMVPUPkjya-UV2QxcCv801IB2XVrviQIC-aMWZBhwqv6Nw3EcgqDcPPQTlh3xnVihDffmcgXgKmNYbtA0c9bFxcShtQkra7amY82tpp/w320-h358/IMG_1999.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">He had pictures of the before and after.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The doctor didn't want us to leave until he took more xrays. We waited for a little bit and then they took him back for more xrays. Nothing broken, thankfully. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our tour guide walked with us in Santorini and we stopped for ice cream. We told him we were fine and he left to get the rest of our group, while we stopped at a little cafe overlooking the bay. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There were no crowds whe we arrived but by the time we were finished at the hospital, everyone had a chance to use the cable car.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We've been to Santorini before and there were a lot of people, but I don't remember crowds like today. Of course, today was a holiday. They are celebrating the first day of the World War. There was a parade in town and we saw kids in traditional costumes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We took the 4 pm tender back to the ship. Bill had a short snooze before we went up on the 5th deck for Margaritas as we sailed away.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEQ3uPVV4t7MaJ2CXG5XGmjiC9ElifORtaj3BuPld7GbZrVltjvs_HIqVce_iys04k2beve219n9whCr5VX3hNdoOBM7icikdd4im-5zZ9ufTd9YE3_GJwgoGrduJc_-jmvE09t9GBBTSzmyUdLvE7b0kMO14-K2oSEvY1f09TucAG5K3YTr0FvY6/s5184/IMG_2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEQ3uPVV4t7MaJ2CXG5XGmjiC9ElifORtaj3BuPld7GbZrVltjvs_HIqVce_iys04k2beve219n9whCr5VX3hNdoOBM7icikdd4im-5zZ9ufTd9YE3_GJwgoGrduJc_-jmvE09t9GBBTSzmyUdLvE7b0kMO14-K2oSEvY1f09TucAG5K3YTr0FvY6/s320/IMG_2005.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywUVfB91vQ-zkVfmJEKfTQbWUcRXTlqCV9pwJ6S55ER2TPwNLyLe_WnmdPN361vhBTaMtSHv0wI5eNHekU-cN1oDu-QUdVzic9lX3Na5M3pWoaVNn5vsXuj87eP_80029v24bTqP8CAhqA2RWBr-zrXT7ZJUFNtM6e5rUu6ouZQUhihu0RZIHoIwg/s5184/IMG_2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywUVfB91vQ-zkVfmJEKfTQbWUcRXTlqCV9pwJ6S55ER2TPwNLyLe_WnmdPN361vhBTaMtSHv0wI5eNHekU-cN1oDu-QUdVzic9lX3Na5M3pWoaVNn5vsXuj87eP_80029v24bTqP8CAhqA2RWBr-zrXT7ZJUFNtM6e5rUu6ouZQUhihu0RZIHoIwg/s320/IMG_2002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Don't let the jacket fool you. I was in shorts, but to be honest it was windy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpds1w4-aJ3D1snLFxsXhXX2V2h0aCOLS3R_AQKUU-u4ukGpj3m91AQ8TbVoLr-W1cboYR6sDkKF8u5D1x2zNZZT7D-8IwCVZxbpJsCDIHPb1TGfZa_G9kGLqYiXFzmfuNCBqS4OK71ptc4PUbGFbnF1G-f9nuuZdjNrunkhuGbfrGc0Tyb734Srq/s5184/IMG_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpds1w4-aJ3D1snLFxsXhXX2V2h0aCOLS3R_AQKUU-u4ukGpj3m91AQ8TbVoLr-W1cboYR6sDkKF8u5D1x2zNZZT7D-8IwCVZxbpJsCDIHPb1TGfZa_G9kGLqYiXFzmfuNCBqS4OK71ptc4PUbGFbnF1G-f9nuuZdjNrunkhuGbfrGc0Tyb734Srq/s320/IMG_2010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWmsfL8rG3yHMQyUZUZoUKm-NbDkN6aroO3ACH-zqtiMys5E0qrUB_Et7lfztmR1teyPo4LjZvQsR6brMGJ04np-CWfFJQ7_QJxW0FB25X2vKSJ-34ONpzNAXYgmo_LsT4h9MyUuPtKzbyp_kU8k8NI8ZoPmXZYnSib0gWIPlWzR-nIY8xKm8udbY/s5184/IMG_2009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWmsfL8rG3yHMQyUZUZoUKm-NbDkN6aroO3ACH-zqtiMys5E0qrUB_Et7lfztmR1teyPo4LjZvQsR6brMGJ04np-CWfFJQ7_QJxW0FB25X2vKSJ-34ONpzNAXYgmo_LsT4h9MyUuPtKzbyp_kU8k8NI8ZoPmXZYnSib0gWIPlWzR-nIY8xKm8udbY/s320/IMG_2009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Turtle Safely........</p><p> </p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-49768630487065814762022-10-27T11:53:00.002-07:002022-10-27T11:53:42.551-07:00Day 3--Acropolis, Parthenon etc.....<p> <span style="font-size: large;">I promised myself before we left home that I would do the blog every night. I picked this trip because I thought it was a slower pace.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZ7etfQfVu1DnbVMc2xQ-UB8F2jF6lHO8yi2Z7tWiZoqDLx1a7EPSV1980bqfKEtrmPYOV8C_C56c50lr5G5CFo1fl8KlnEf831vO73DAd6P-wwi1EJEaP19IYDm1_xppCND26yTPZfHBBPApTXba51GqehrAf2Nf8tICESUtrK2ZygpYru5zveNr/s5184/IMG_1964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZ7etfQfVu1DnbVMc2xQ-UB8F2jF6lHO8yi2Z7tWiZoqDLx1a7EPSV1980bqfKEtrmPYOV8C_C56c50lr5G5CFo1fl8KlnEf831vO73DAd6P-wwi1EJEaP19IYDm1_xppCND26yTPZfHBBPApTXba51GqehrAf2Nf8tICESUtrK2ZygpYru5zveNr/s320/IMG_1964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's now 10 pm and we are just getting back to our room. We were up for breakfast at 6:30 and haven't stopped all day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here's a phto of the Acropolis from the rooftop restaurant of the hotel</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsO5zf4geTkL8rlgZ7mFcOupDlz6s1MwesPOdHADHU9JjHfNVI5HlKBB89Fi6onXo7ZRGbr0cMjpMgQ4rVK1OlnbxAQzMMlPP1m009-T8HXWAAl5tqbe40nQF2uEBK8PpqXG5_k6Ms_yZ1rI_wvMo1K-1JnXqgNHQgG4DX7ME2CclO5H5J6HvKvk2N/s5184/IMG_1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsO5zf4geTkL8rlgZ7mFcOupDlz6s1MwesPOdHADHU9JjHfNVI5HlKBB89Fi6onXo7ZRGbr0cMjpMgQ4rVK1OlnbxAQzMMlPP1m009-T8HXWAAl5tqbe40nQF2uEBK8PpqXG5_k6Ms_yZ1rI_wvMo1K-1JnXqgNHQgG4DX7ME2CclO5H5J6HvKvk2N/s320/IMG_1968.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After breakfast our "yellow group" meet for our first time at 8 am. Everyone introduced themselves and Vasilis gave everyone their "whisper" audio machines. Our luggage had to be outside our room at 8 am and we were to be in the lobby at 9 am for a panaramic drive through Athens. We've seen all the sites before. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Five people out of the 18 decided they weren't capable of climbing up the Acropolis. Bill was determined to do it. For those of you who have never seen the Acropolis it is all marble. On a nice sunny day like today, it is still slippery. I was so glad that I hadn't forgotten our hiking sticks. There are no handrails and nothing is flat. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinONhQgbho1dp1go53pnSQlCXFFYPyHf21Nu2oezo6dwWgrqSYJTyXSRottljuIwqmQFyi5F2pO-I7PpTDGsEFTKASe8K-eF8mg6wiUcvMoGLaWXbyb80ZsnD_zbJFmC4FP5wlNobcTGb_gTbjByMu6WjhQOBUe1Mci45yt4I7Dtt0m9P7wmE3tLrb/s5184/IMG_1975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinONhQgbho1dp1go53pnSQlCXFFYPyHf21Nu2oezo6dwWgrqSYJTyXSRottljuIwqmQFyi5F2pO-I7PpTDGsEFTKASe8K-eF8mg6wiUcvMoGLaWXbyb80ZsnD_zbJFmC4FP5wlNobcTGb_gTbjByMu6WjhQOBUe1Mci45yt4I7Dtt0m9P7wmE3tLrb/s320/IMG_1975.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">One person said her app recorded 2.9 miles which is straight up. The app said we climbed 17 floors. It was crowded and you had to watch constantly where you were walking.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After we caught up with the 5 who were waiting below, we walked up the Plaka. We had a fabulous lunch with traditional Greek food. We had small plates and they brought all kinds of different dishes. The wine was a local one and they just served it in a picther. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I'm just too tired to finish this blog. Hopefully, I'll catch up tomorrow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely ......</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-44068508460752861542022-10-26T11:21:00.002-07:002022-10-26T11:21:24.622-07:00Day 2 Athens, Greece<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBvp0X5J0rRVjK8elgkxw6CDzMcZkYRZUwr_rWCwGguO9X96jHpdZvwAuZtaDzwpAGFfbyZgUFagOySqO_6VAdGqxR9TtKVOC8nU3eeDNye3n6zwbnsgZT1_M1GLspteUu_dtEaoFBw6jUMfRyfPI9Tk8TMEXIW-9jKd_4DRZYIbu-NXt4Piulz2t/s5184/IMG_1949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBvp0X5J0rRVjK8elgkxw6CDzMcZkYRZUwr_rWCwGguO9X96jHpdZvwAuZtaDzwpAGFfbyZgUFagOySqO_6VAdGqxR9TtKVOC8nU3eeDNye3n6zwbnsgZT1_M1GLspteUu_dtEaoFBw6jUMfRyfPI9Tk8TMEXIW-9jKd_4DRZYIbu-NXt4Piulz2t/s320/IMG_1949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">I think these guards we saw yesterday might have attended Jackie's yoga classes. I don't know if you can see from the photo but the soles of each guards shoes are touching each other. </span></div><br /></div><br /> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I must say when we woke up at 4 am we felt much more refreshed after a good nights sleep. I guess if there would be one thing that you could eliminate from traveling either the long flights or the jet lag, I'd pick the jet lag. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNrD7R6a8USR2CpspCHR3ouykyyr56oQv_2jMgNHsQPEzuLpx5-4WN1RmrdcrnsLwccklyxJ0s2I_kSAISLDIkQfH3Nu2EPQW50YQTXnd7IvZmcVSSKtGjAYXcWI2ILFh8C2V6MBZx9NokTYW4ENQ_LQt9bYbT1H0alBR3RcTJbqYyEzHD8dKuXOM/s5184/IMG_1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNrD7R6a8USR2CpspCHR3ouykyyr56oQv_2jMgNHsQPEzuLpx5-4WN1RmrdcrnsLwccklyxJ0s2I_kSAISLDIkQfH3Nu2EPQW50YQTXnd7IvZmcVSSKtGjAYXcWI2ILFh8C2V6MBZx9NokTYW4ENQ_LQt9bYbT1H0alBR3RcTJbqYyEzHD8dKuXOM/s320/IMG_1953.JPG" width="320" /></a>The hotel breakfast is on the 11th floor. There are spectacular views of the Acropolis. The lights were still on it, when we arrived at the buffet as they opened. As we were about to leave, another couple that rode in the shuttle from the airport asked to join us. I won't say we talked alot, but the breakfast hours are from 7 am when we arrived and close at 10. We went back to the room and Bill took advantage of the time and had a nap. Something he never does. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBZdeWjSC2HmtplnVBQ1oHjFdBdkO0qr1Zpp4HrDdYvPBr19HS6jv285WXFAMfaeGH5cxTRDC8E8R175MXoTn9A1KLiNWoJhnsHj_PC3ptNk-18RaTzR5yqc7XDJzYoLHudVdx9aH9bkmrlh1oPOxh5kPGVzdF-qcJA5qMjSsG-Bak4u_tDuXLMpS/s5184/IMG_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBZdeWjSC2HmtplnVBQ1oHjFdBdkO0qr1Zpp4HrDdYvPBr19HS6jv285WXFAMfaeGH5cxTRDC8E8R175MXoTn9A1KLiNWoJhnsHj_PC3ptNk-18RaTzR5yqc7XDJzYoLHudVdx9aH9bkmrlh1oPOxh5kPGVzdF-qcJA5qMjSsG-Bak4u_tDuXLMpS/s320/IMG_1950.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When we went down to the lobby, all three of the tour directors had a desk set up for those arriving from the airport. Vasilis had some suggestions on things to see and</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">do. Everything seems to be within a couple of miles of the hotel. The metro is $1.20 for the first 90 minutes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We visited the Acropolis Museum the last time we were in Greece but now they have a new world famous one. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmiYlmJ1d3gazeimKAU1sFZ-CRRJxb5dfQ46RNlBwnL8K6whDAaYhDwTuoVJwtQ1GLEQIqIvExqfTm12ZQTIQ0FIpjKaSlaMIwvM0uTIF01qILoW5n50PK3Zq-QmFGlT9cGH8qWyx0ZRKa9OVKPT0zk7FVCMVmJxmaTf6XP0FXlmIrtTMEJQv5_js/s5184/IMG_1948.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmiYlmJ1d3gazeimKAU1sFZ-CRRJxb5dfQ46RNlBwnL8K6whDAaYhDwTuoVJwtQ1GLEQIqIvExqfTm12ZQTIQ0FIpjKaSlaMIwvM0uTIF01qILoW5n50PK3Zq-QmFGlT9cGH8qWyx0ZRKa9OVKPT0zk7FVCMVmJxmaTf6XP0FXlmIrtTMEJQv5_js/s320/IMG_1948.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">One quick stop in our room to pick up my phone and off we went. Vasilis had also told us about a tiny authentic Greek restaurant. Once we started walking we walked past the turkey sign inside a building where the restaurant was. Knowing we have our welcome dinner which is usually very nice, we thought we'd order something small. Vasilis told us the restaurant couldn't accomodate more than 20 people. There was one empty table. As we were about to sit down a couple at another table waved us over to sit with them. They are in our group and had just arrived and spotted my name tag. The meal was delcious. We shared the meal and still had some leftover. Our waitress brought over cups of their soup to try and a platter of different breads. Bill had a local beer and I had a glass of red wine. Total for the meal and tip was less than 15 Euros.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I have to tell you about our experience at the ATM. We never come with any foreign money just use the ATM. I put our debit card in the machine and my card was sucked up and gone. This has never happened in all of our traveling. Of course, the machine is in Greek, while some machines in Europe have several languages. Some nice gentlement could see I was having trouble and came over and helped me. You can't get your card back until you have completed the entire transaction. I took out $200 so we'd have anything left for the next trip. 200 Euro was $213 in US funds including the transaction fee. Quite a huge difference from some of our other travels. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">By the time we gabbed with this couple we decided we we'd skip the museum as it was getting too late to go there and back in time to attend the welcome drink, meal and meeting. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This is our second day and we haven't visited a church yet. I think that is a record when you are in Europe. They are all beautiful and unique and you can't help but stop in everyone you see. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Vasilis is really worried about tomorrow</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Acropolis is expecting over 15,000 tourists tomorrow as 6 cruise ships are in town. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHWDHYA26sUEZq_2LjAxDuFUibGq6SNDww2QMAc_5M5vy6rQV1YCz6VsUBQPkDD7oKMhthlefvncfiK3qsdGkuQEN_idUxETdr5ekrDy7PZZ1kuqOHX3ZxwhlcqkL9j8zMUoVH7o0WyGceY6EsLxSxiJS2_F6Ldw-vigJw-i4DLSdFxJh96kV1NwN/s5184/IMG_1952.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHWDHYA26sUEZq_2LjAxDuFUibGq6SNDww2QMAc_5M5vy6rQV1YCz6VsUBQPkDD7oKMhthlefvncfiK3qsdGkuQEN_idUxETdr5ekrDy7PZZ1kuqOHX3ZxwhlcqkL9j8zMUoVH7o0WyGceY6EsLxSxiJS2_F6Ldw-vigJw-i4DLSdFxJh96kV1NwN/s320/IMG_1952.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">One thing you see everywhere are motorcycles, not little scooters like you see in Italy. These are everywhere and they ride them on the sidewalks.</span></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhva_jpbq1qp_gd3Z57X812wCy52y-L5trEqZqHoeteyMslohAws5lVebdreLH9ErErVuomMjz0waM2kOAURbXX6mS6yOSHRzNINLVpOJC0du3ZUTRlJhVK1hmB4nHPI6ARtrrV1iIKRZAofrNd5Gf28ZcA65Ymo_p0BUIHkfZiBKwIAQVk3Oeaw2B-/s5184/IMG_1956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhva_jpbq1qp_gd3Z57X812wCy52y-L5trEqZqHoeteyMslohAws5lVebdreLH9ErErVuomMjz0waM2kOAURbXX6mS6yOSHRzNINLVpOJC0du3ZUTRlJhVK1hmB4nHPI6ARtrrV1iIKRZAofrNd5Gf28ZcA65Ymo_p0BUIHkfZiBKwIAQVk3Oeaw2B-/s320/IMG_1956.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our dinner was very good and there were a lot of happy people once they tried the ouzo. The four trip leaders introduced themselves. They were all what you expect from this company. Fun loving people. <br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVogHT3RcqZbXoHg59PEuzXeOZlgY2Aa3vxrDGWr6qWcc-ArCChkqYhqGvYU4ayOzWftowoQjLEUvHVCXS4zVU5oI_cndaKXiuQXX4ayXbv-x63PlBUWvbigYnmGpbJPAWsvI3JGko57Tvw_ahM0ziIBUjRMuxTPn7IFsdF5WU7KnLLVB3fDT8ttX/s5184/IMG_1959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVogHT3RcqZbXoHg59PEuzXeOZlgY2Aa3vxrDGWr6qWcc-ArCChkqYhqGvYU4ayOzWftowoQjLEUvHVCXS4zVU5oI_cndaKXiuQXX4ayXbv-x63PlBUWvbigYnmGpbJPAWsvI3JGko57Tvw_ahM0ziIBUjRMuxTPn7IFsdF5WU7KnLLVB3fDT8ttX/s320/IMG_1959.JPG" width="240" /></a>I know there are a few readers that have never traveled outside the United States. Here's a few things that are different in foreign hotels. One thing is they do not use wash cloths. You always have to bring them from home. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The second is there is always an emergency pull cord to get help once you slip in there very high bathtubs and showers. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceMwYk7TlO12KZKjVcQ3rNylOUi2EGJditFXbeAFZb_YOwcnChvYLF6xoT_xjxD0Zz0Av8HaufEqKRDDjnbtaYAsfv2jiRSOgu5IGdSsJoD6EFwI1eUpOjXOpyDLWd3OQCeE9f5dPGQ92YQC1Fpd_JKHrsj1GdD7J6Q9belqZH041NEM9TzB2_il_/s5184/IMG_1961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceMwYk7TlO12KZKjVcQ3rNylOUi2EGJditFXbeAFZb_YOwcnChvYLF6xoT_xjxD0Zz0Av8HaufEqKRDDjnbtaYAsfv2jiRSOgu5IGdSsJoD6EFwI1eUpOjXOpyDLWd3OQCeE9f5dPGQ92YQC1Fpd_JKHrsj1GdD7J6Q9belqZH041NEM9TzB2_il_/s320/IMG_1961.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">They also have an emergency intercom by the toilet. I am just reporting the facts.....so no comments as to why you need that. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The next thing is the electric. When you enter a room there is this little box that you put your key card into to give the room electricity. It used to be that we could leave any kind of card with the magnetic strip so we could charge things while we were out. Now the box only works with your room key. The other interesting thing is that all the windows open. Most US hotels don't have windows that open. In England the law says they can only open 12 inches wide so no one will commit suicide. So there folks, your first lesson in traveling abroad.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X1J0uQcgpZt-MkBRyGnqQ3DxQF4lH_2prGSX2njAVBvYfRgurAvnUZodVu1mgqltUTkcWpflaoyllL3JMw7XjzKP27njQzlf13Pr6z4G0SbGe2TWlQKAjOXPyiTA62sNFFJeJ62sUq2Bhcyce0lA2wtzMHwxovLhaAM8eufNJpUfjKoKiasxz5jX/s5184/IMG_1958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X1J0uQcgpZt-MkBRyGnqQ3DxQF4lH_2prGSX2njAVBvYfRgurAvnUZodVu1mgqltUTkcWpflaoyllL3JMw7XjzKP27njQzlf13Pr6z4G0SbGe2TWlQKAjOXPyiTA62sNFFJeJ62sUq2Bhcyce0lA2wtzMHwxovLhaAM8eufNJpUfjKoKiasxz5jX/s320/IMG_1958.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It's going to busy tomorrow. Our group will be the first to leave tomorrow at 8 am.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely........</span></p><p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-17544438339902607502022-10-25T07:08:00.000-07:002022-10-25T07:08:48.931-07:00Day one in Athens Greece<p> </p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Bill and I always try to have a plan B when traveling, but Monday's went very smoothly. We were up at 1:30 am to allow for traffic which there was none and to take a different route to the airport since the Broadway curve project had the road closed from Friday evening until 4 am on Monday. No lines waiting or lines anywhere. Age does have benefits, as we were told to pre board with those that were in wheelchairs. Maybe they have a category for those over 85. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After we were settled into our seats I noticed the couple across the aisle had OAT luggage tags. I asked them if they were headed to Greece. Yep, they are in the group of 74 expected passengers for this small ship and land tour.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our tour leader had called earlier in the week to introduce himself over the phone and ask if we had any questions. We don't have the same tour guides as the others. We will be in the yellow group.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I noticed we had a very nice looking blond pilot but I didn't hear any blond jokes. The flight was over 4 hours to Newark. Although we landed early once again we had to wait until they had a gate empty.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Since we hadn't had any breakfast before left, we decided to grab a quick bite before our international flight. Knowing that the next flight would be serving dinner shortly after take off, we shared a Cuban sandwich. I was glad I had that half sandwich because I didn't care for the dinner but I always eat the ice cream. Bill and I were anxiously waiting for the plane doors to close to find that we had a empty seat between us. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The first flight was 4 hours 22 minutes, with a wait time of 3 hours 28 minutes and the final leg was 9 hours 20 minutes. Both flights arrived early and even customs and baggage were pretty fast.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Everytime we take a flight there is something new and better. This time the entertainment has changed. Now if you want to start a movie it will tell you if you'll land before finishing the movie.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">There were 8 people on that plane that will be on the tour. A tour guide showed us where our transportation was. The guide also gave us some suggestions of things we might want to see. Of course there was a lot of gabbing from the airport to the hotel. The tour doesn't start until tomorrow but at least 8 people came in a day early. I think there will be more as the airport guide had another flight she had to meet the travelers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Even though we were at least 3 hours early for check in, our room was ready. We ran upstairs to check out the room before heading out to find an ATM. Once we had some Euros in our pocket, we explored the area. This hotel is centrally located in the heart of Athens. Normally, we would have gone upstairs to the terrace for a drink and a view of the Acropolis, but we need some sleep. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">I am way too tired to give any details or try posting a lot of photos, hopefully, tomorrow. We walked to the National Library, the University of Athens,and Municipal Culture Center, some ancient ruins of Athens, and the best place Parliment. We were able to watch the changing of the guards. I thought London was pretty good but these guys were much better.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Had a nice dinner in a sidewalk cafe. Greek salad, bread and beers for less than $20 in the heart of a big city.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">It's 7 pm and Bill is sound asleep and I'm right behind him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Turtle Safely.....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-22495831090167586802022-05-28T06:09:00.002-07:002022-05-28T06:50:46.853-07:00Iceland and Ireland Trip<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Akureyri, Iceland</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I'm already behind three days, but what else is new?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Bill and I were awake at 4 am so decided just to get up and get ready. Our plan was to leave for the airport at 5:30 am, allowing a few extra minutes for morning traffic. As it turned out, we didn't leave until 6:41, but traffic was light for that time of the day. The car was parked 41 minutes later in the parking garage. Harry and Carlena were already checked in by the time we arrived at the terminal. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">To get the best connections we took the first flight to San Francisco with a 2 and half hour wait for the international flight. Our seats were perfect, and we all agreed we had the best seat location of anyone on the plane. Once on the plane we had to wait for cargo to be loaded--one hour and 15 minutes. Once we took off the captain made up most of the time by landing in Amsterdam 20 minutes late. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">What a difference in Amsterdam today than our first visit. It's much cleaner and nicer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The weather was nice but w</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">hen we crossed the street to get on the bus, it was very windy. Check in was very easy with everything on your phone. Thank goodness, we did a second proctored test before we left home. Our test that we took on Wednesday still hasn't come back yet. Did't need it to fly, but needed it to board the ship.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The jet lag hit us pretty hard. Neither of us slept on the plane. There were too many good movies to watch. One of the problems of taking an early flight is you just woke up from sleeping and aren't sleepy, at least three of us weren't sleepy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After dinner last night we went straight back to the cabin and to bed. We really slept in this morning so didn't see Harry and Carlena until later. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A nice couple that lives in the Netherlands told us that the Ukranian people that fled their country were being housed in the river boats. I've never seen that many river boats in one place before.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The cruise that we took last July only had about 400 on board. Looks like the Covid 19 worries are gone by the number of people on this ship. I doubt there are very many empty cabins. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Looking forward to our next trip that has a maximum of 160 people on board. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The ship wifi is slow so don't know how well photos will load.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely........</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-71336582861382706802021-12-20T08:13:00.001-08:002021-12-20T08:13:31.192-08:00Day 9--Kotor, Montenegro<p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Our day started out earlier than usual. Zoran had told us during last night's port talk that we should go up on the sun deck right after breakfast. He wanted us to see the view of the deepest fjord in Europe as we sailed into the town of Kotor. While we were up on the sun deck he explained a little of the history of this beautiful Mediterranean country at the foot of the Balkan mountain range.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">After the ship docked right next to this walled city, we crossed the street to meet our guide. She told us how nice the city was today as they have over 600 big cruise ships stopping in season. Our group of 17 didn't make much difference to the 1,000 people that live in this walled city.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVA8LLYJILme_XUgmGn4CzLwB08Ruk_YaXRuDNHg-FDWrvGGrt3i-DeuT3gZutEAdDTUctMI0_BgrcShVlw1AtAboKfhlvR0mJnCjGr7qzrdKbxM5IgxWDfqYMGd6n8g1SIkVinfqcuEINzrg5UHXKCgrGjCcJ4KipsF6VG_KTPmL9ukGgSsGeXCnI=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVA8LLYJILme_XUgmGn4CzLwB08Ruk_YaXRuDNHg-FDWrvGGrt3i-DeuT3gZutEAdDTUctMI0_BgrcShVlw1AtAboKfhlvR0mJnCjGr7qzrdKbxM5IgxWDfqYMGd6n8g1SIkVinfqcuEINzrg5UHXKCgrGjCcJ4KipsF6VG_KTPmL9ukGgSsGeXCnI=s320" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">It was another beautiful day but cold in the very early morning hours.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCuUCyBT5WNIMO-k-Z426-qPFaI0OF7iWc9yPz-uJDflCFM_7_r2Z_TmHYS1MkTmDdAF-Z4EeMSt27ONyhKpuXVkDefXMJv4_IC-5l0wBwxGior-ZSJdO-IswpxNdp8gv8UUcAvBCuuq5G64ln9pzic6c9yZxdKX4YxFcHX20zxqtHbQ9Ck-yNnDqS=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCuUCyBT5WNIMO-k-Z426-qPFaI0OF7iWc9yPz-uJDflCFM_7_r2Z_TmHYS1MkTmDdAF-Z4EeMSt27ONyhKpuXVkDefXMJv4_IC-5l0wBwxGior-ZSJdO-IswpxNdp8gv8UUcAvBCuuq5G64ln9pzic6c9yZxdKX4YxFcHX20zxqtHbQ9Ck-yNnDqS=s320" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The water is crystal clear and as you sail you come upon many small villages.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Our local guide walked us around Stari Grad (Old Town). It's not large and after our tour we had some time before lunch to stroll the ancient walkways. I always like to get a Christmas ornament from every different country we visit. Since there were no big cruise ships, the souvenir shops were closed. I did manage to find something that isn't a Christmas bulb but will work on the travel Christmas tree. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We got back to the ship just in time for lunch. I might mention that the meals are excellent but way too</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> much food than we are used to. There's always a soup, main entree, for example one selection today was cabbage rolls with potatoes and carrots, fresh baked bread and dessert. Your wine glass is never empty.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Right after lunch we walked across the street to catch our bus. Zoran was taking us to Our Lady of the Rocks Shrine on a man-made islet.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Zoran was happy that the weather was perfect for our boat ride out to the island. If the wind is too strong the boats don't run.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8GdDla8qqS0mTFuOyfbQqZXLTcvINCO-VOpfL5KRayYdI_QaSZfjAGZkcIOVJo046AWU7L8OH1Cz6vGvlWzKFP6EYpkfGgL8JT-NKVDWdpbwnk7gxXqs9ZCeAJBOomqPH5lkV-Ro63t-yQrGxdbkdxGwo98QIXZLLDbfpIJV6oCDpi-4UwWy2yWdQ=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8GdDla8qqS0mTFuOyfbQqZXLTcvINCO-VOpfL5KRayYdI_QaSZfjAGZkcIOVJo046AWU7L8OH1Cz6vGvlWzKFP6EYpkfGgL8JT-NKVDWdpbwnk7gxXqs9ZCeAJBOomqPH5lkV-Ro63t-yQrGxdbkdxGwo98QIXZLLDbfpIJV6oCDpi-4UwWy2yWdQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Can you see the trails that go up the mountain in this corner of the walled city.<br /> We decided we're getting too old to try that kind of hike.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUGnCQilzOvq_HTAFeAAOraiq4_GNNvgU458IFMECO7tzhxuVtCJ466Xm1LPSz6I8zVRrbAcAn6sbecKZz0qOzRcGOV7XTGwYJ_RfOvwv_VTORhMFrJlEQMqujBtN5csJ2pCpgPIKQ6lFqrkbFeeuegemG73wm99zMUnb5Libk6PK64Q3W9duhKnL4=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUGnCQilzOvq_HTAFeAAOraiq4_GNNvgU458IFMECO7tzhxuVtCJ466Xm1LPSz6I8zVRrbAcAn6sbecKZz0qOzRcGOV7XTGwYJ_RfOvwv_VTORhMFrJlEQMqujBtN5csJ2pCpgPIKQ6lFqrkbFeeuegemG73wm99zMUnb5Libk6PK64Q3W9duhKnL4=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I hope you can tell from this photo how beautiful the water is. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMVTnIYdFvFDUWQ0IZI9gkquNyqqaaY8hiZpB9HvnBjNRAVU7qIcLMq-8SeoCGkxuAJc-aok1HVQd4QmqEKR8hvUEU480pE7j8_D1zISs_Zmg_97DKHd4-SmTxD_LstxX7FKbVXhSROUQI0Z_3InArgPOTCWjrZq72pYwVBXuJaYXN6WnXew2bxbT5=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMVTnIYdFvFDUWQ0IZI9gkquNyqqaaY8hiZpB9HvnBjNRAVU7qIcLMq-8SeoCGkxuAJc-aok1HVQd4QmqEKR8hvUEU480pE7j8_D1zISs_Zmg_97DKHd4-SmTxD_LstxX7FKbVXhSROUQI0Z_3InArgPOTCWjrZq72pYwVBXuJaYXN6WnXew2bxbT5=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Here's the Our Lady of the Rocks in Perast. This shrine was made on a man made islet.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs1_8OG355uANj9PHA5SO4_7rwyHohC5ELRNlQxdcrwUDQhdYzTV5PC-wf79K2lRVD07gD0xYl160x6DsA_W0IIE10gqbmwjaM67O4IjfOgUuhHsfiYsr7AjZhyjO997Et2so0MtIi4xz8u8HfmJjZOKP4qq6Sl2-NPt4BC1KLbYfgGNo4zapZF_iG=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs1_8OG355uANj9PHA5SO4_7rwyHohC5ELRNlQxdcrwUDQhdYzTV5PC-wf79K2lRVD07gD0xYl160x6DsA_W0IIE10gqbmwjaM67O4IjfOgUuhHsfiYsr7AjZhyjO997Et2so0MtIi4xz8u8HfmJjZOKP4qq6Sl2-NPt4BC1KLbYfgGNo4zapZF_iG=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Bill looks cold in this photo but it did warm up.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJm4YBEQauCmSfzHkbQT3Qtu1JAJff29Ujr-Lxcrco4ZnLraniqRQ7G82bwVvK9xFyfNErOPA7ZkNWhuuygmhR-Maq5MI9h3y6QMXb90FMJnoVCGpCTeterbL5za_hlCFB75B33hE0C16_InOpUvsecW8Y2PUgPTtdGXp-bP2sDSxQedmP1EKX86je=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJm4YBEQauCmSfzHkbQT3Qtu1JAJff29Ujr-Lxcrco4ZnLraniqRQ7G82bwVvK9xFyfNErOPA7ZkNWhuuygmhR-Maq5MI9h3y6QMXb90FMJnoVCGpCTeterbL5za_hlCFB75B33hE0C16_InOpUvsecW8Y2PUgPTtdGXp-bP2sDSxQedmP1EKX86je=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Here's the inside of the Our Lady of the Rocks. It's hard to believe that we've been touring this area for over a week and this is the first church we've been in. Usually you visit at least one church a day when in Europe.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfhGkGqLzgf_JgeDLpUfuULDjA7CLVcUMnqpJx2-tp8NFCrLdxANGBi3sPnxOKROD7pZxO3mON1TsI9b1wxSsKAcr4jFlt5FrdNFigMXg3LwYbDNSm7qsKIbwGJWe3UiF8cyspRRLNis0p4iZtp57ckV7TTMqHfqkpP4jtkExAMs3Zal9kR4KQb1c1=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfhGkGqLzgf_JgeDLpUfuULDjA7CLVcUMnqpJx2-tp8NFCrLdxANGBi3sPnxOKROD7pZxO3mON1TsI9b1wxSsKAcr4jFlt5FrdNFigMXg3LwYbDNSm7qsKIbwGJWe3UiF8cyspRRLNis0p4iZtp57ckV7TTMqHfqkpP4jtkExAMs3Zal9kR4KQb1c1=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's been a busy day but we're still going strong. Hope we have 20 minutes on the bus for a little nap.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3gApgGkm_5NKhEuM3zUpSiHtueuhtpJ-rcHDBMBb6idw8jnTRGDQqurrMJdjscJPAGCJVbdBmTBCCA4Q0S-AdOmUbluZR43tSa7mndP48m0RLC1wnsT08vbL_xcpl5NbDm1nb0ZBCAuMrgnbbctQ4dOtmds6pckWjWVN1BnxIs5h1PQCRh1Nd8EaV=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3gApgGkm_5NKhEuM3zUpSiHtueuhtpJ-rcHDBMBb6idw8jnTRGDQqurrMJdjscJPAGCJVbdBmTBCCA4Q0S-AdOmUbluZR43tSa7mndP48m0RLC1wnsT08vbL_xcpl5NbDm1nb0ZBCAuMrgnbbctQ4dOtmds6pckWjWVN1BnxIs5h1PQCRh1Nd8EaV=s320" width="320" /></span></a></p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">There was a nice collection of weapons in the small museum of the Our Lady of the Rocks.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDwLaHmMXtJYxN0iGptTqomPWkh7ssqrvliUbwDoPqM_MgCLggfmL7bJnWlfuBo-Wx46wtMOXMzQmbOXV6uCCsrQ1rKMvqMMJVXwLSHDicdv7ITTItF6rk2r-yR1U2ZbTedQ0nCyXCJKtx6lp-jGF2KXQNtBQAgkW2YIHGFH_zDaWFKIfxSP_psuvR=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDwLaHmMXtJYxN0iGptTqomPWkh7ssqrvliUbwDoPqM_MgCLggfmL7bJnWlfuBo-Wx46wtMOXMzQmbOXV6uCCsrQ1rKMvqMMJVXwLSHDicdv7ITTItF6rk2r-yR1U2ZbTedQ0nCyXCJKtx6lp-jGF2KXQNtBQAgkW2YIHGFH_zDaWFKIfxSP_psuvR=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">Bill and the cats. Can you see the cat on the roof of the red car? We did learn that Kotor is famous for its friendly cats. All the business people leave their doors open for the cats to come and go. There's also lots of bowls of cat food and water for them. Some tourist magazine mentioned it and the people take care of the cats. A vet volunteers his services to neuter and care for them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Turtle safely.......</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-28785692537950648362021-12-19T12:54:00.000-08:002021-12-19T12:54:00.794-08:00Day 8--Dubrovnik and Konavle<p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We departed at 8:30 am for the Konavle region. There were only 7 or us that wanted to do this tour. I guess we'll do the wall in Dubronik the next time we visit this beautiful country. It's so nice that there aren't a bunch of tourists everywhere.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Konavle region has 3 types of climate, flora and fauna within 5 km. Mountain climate, wetlands and the Mediterranean maritime climate. I have to say we were over dressed for it. Short sleeves would have been much better. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXXkJyYcolsdzlMUi4yxMEyZq6N0CdPZr1oMYOzIGCStmLZ8uYXl2t3gN_Uk0jOZdOqmbECTcbsBT3IE5JlLeGJ43McUlBORtvoSdmM0veKZM1QRzbykA9iSdc2Dd2YybzZar5AX56CUdtrCgTYxaElCRLpyTxbE0ok8-4Pt082g2zcqMP3_BUNfe0=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXXkJyYcolsdzlMUi4yxMEyZq6N0CdPZr1oMYOzIGCStmLZ8uYXl2t3gN_Uk0jOZdOqmbECTcbsBT3IE5JlLeGJ43McUlBORtvoSdmM0veKZM1QRzbykA9iSdc2Dd2YybzZar5AX56CUdtrCgTYxaElCRLpyTxbE0ok8-4Pt082g2zcqMP3_BUNfe0=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Our first stop was an art studio and silk shop. Of course not much is started until you have a shot of raki to begin with. We also had some almonds, figs and dried orange peel.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvxN7hsA5cRIX__cBrkUSIaDWtm_TTaGRdzSmb5AspGaYus-5Uy2J0JKjWpHargAQE38gYuH7xhvAn8NCV8wmY0qs-31b1EaXJfEKTgI8_5SvhWbyGAJdOQWK4jcIalH2IxChLLoTw5jz3JZ2mjy6Cxc_w11lwHZIm631P1ZV8nx9uegX7SGj2H2wi=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvxN7hsA5cRIX__cBrkUSIaDWtm_TTaGRdzSmb5AspGaYus-5Uy2J0JKjWpHargAQE38gYuH7xhvAn8NCV8wmY0qs-31b1EaXJfEKTgI8_5SvhWbyGAJdOQWK4jcIalH2IxChLLoTw5jz3JZ2mjy6Cxc_w11lwHZIm631P1ZV8nx9uegX7SGj2H2wi=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I really thought Bill and I knew all about silk from our trip to China where we visited a silk factory. Believe me, we now know, we knew nothing.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We learned how silk worms have to live in a clean environment. They also spin there cocoons into a branch at precisely the same time. After exactly 15 days they are put into boiling water.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYMQ98xvQRHzjm3qRb4JS8hDnzyxvHd4Yq2EZDh8rPmglibyEr4wc_eEgP47no3oTwZ7p-HN6GB6jzXic9E5auOBD3O8sn69E2CEbofzu0fa0SmDc-lx5PKZFlO0XQWRQkYA9rafM88i-amukvETGH_r8IKsBcTeG9w6EKndGwZCSRiMj7ewsUoims=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYMQ98xvQRHzjm3qRb4JS8hDnzyxvHd4Yq2EZDh8rPmglibyEr4wc_eEgP47no3oTwZ7p-HN6GB6jzXic9E5auOBD3O8sn69E2CEbofzu0fa0SmDc-lx5PKZFlO0XQWRQkYA9rafM88i-amukvETGH_r8IKsBcTeG9w6EKndGwZCSRiMj7ewsUoims=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I don't know if you can see the tiny spots, but these are eggs. They are kept in a refrigerator until they are used.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXjdBe_ZB1ktOAvHlvXIfvYQkwgFEgeeW1BmCxNP-4Kfy1kVYlWrItU_Q5q0DO-XsI27NtWy6cOoerfPo_efdfagEpvmzZzwRr72gEDkcxZEAygHTUQz7VzDJ7smNExkjKQ98EWrvBY6r_EIejPImRC7scMwHDep0OknV6N_zfhsQWdf-Xz-g9iJVN=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXjdBe_ZB1ktOAvHlvXIfvYQkwgFEgeeW1BmCxNP-4Kfy1kVYlWrItU_Q5q0DO-XsI27NtWy6cOoerfPo_efdfagEpvmzZzwRr72gEDkcxZEAygHTUQz7VzDJ7smNExkjKQ98EWrvBY6r_EIejPImRC7scMwHDep0OknV6N_zfhsQWdf-Xz-g9iJVN=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The girl then folded up a napkin and started twirling the spidery silk. She turned off the lights so we could see all the different strands. Hope they show up in the photo.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Can you see the traditional embrodery around her neck and the silk tassel? We learned that a girl can not get married until she had made all of her clothing with the silk embrodery. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtimnxGcrVpYvwX4aQ3uTnr4t-CGP1wQKE-mds5y3B6Mym5R1GDjA7WXUFyBU9kqt9I7o7b3S8xUPiNsAj9R31jQa5bV1zqWrMlVPuX1S0EQNz4fsZULoqyiZPZzFKmkqPs0vQa-ZGv2z8Pyy8dmW_J4W8ma1-8UZsnwAVuuhK_C5RaeAi-x1smlb-=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtimnxGcrVpYvwX4aQ3uTnr4t-CGP1wQKE-mds5y3B6Mym5R1GDjA7WXUFyBU9kqt9I7o7b3S8xUPiNsAj9R31jQa5bV1zqWrMlVPuX1S0EQNz4fsZULoqyiZPZzFKmkqPs0vQa-ZGv2z8Pyy8dmW_J4W8ma1-8UZsnwAVuuhK_C5RaeAi-x1smlb-=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This little shop was in a very tiny village. All the buildings were burned during the recent war but have been rebuilt.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxBN58gYPI-Z9Lsb2qM4q_IEa1sHvWqVF5pIBYZ65ZOEYvU8LRryL5dUWh90po30Z9_K1a4bCZUH2xXKSPAuzML44eduOokAA5VcFISNfhyCfEvwtz7hoo4M4zJysSywWbnNL_vp0bM7ADe_dmRwUAt2NocDqYbkbD4zg7jiG-ydBEAAKmFH_C1Giy=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxBN58gYPI-Z9Lsb2qM4q_IEa1sHvWqVF5pIBYZ65ZOEYvU8LRryL5dUWh90po30Z9_K1a4bCZUH2xXKSPAuzML44eduOokAA5VcFISNfhyCfEvwtz7hoo4M4zJysSywWbnNL_vp0bM7ADe_dmRwUAt2NocDqYbkbD4zg7jiG-ydBEAAKmFH_C1Giy=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Our next stop was a flour mill over 500 years old. Guess what we were greeted with? Yes, more raki. She had black walnut and also cherry.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWxTVMsm2wrct0b5UD-Uwk4x2rxBKT2Pi80cf4GHDIsXvCQNAdvmOzUlSIseGmfyzpjfMODaPy4oF_dv4dXyli8phoElu4JR4hcm_aiBX9-f5KoMdo2sa4AA_VhOPat5xe-f79jVMBPNNVFOwUFjF2DDRLpdgCBI4AP-xv4oTm9sQwOlBfL_N3eV_s=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWxTVMsm2wrct0b5UD-Uwk4x2rxBKT2Pi80cf4GHDIsXvCQNAdvmOzUlSIseGmfyzpjfMODaPy4oF_dv4dXyli8phoElu4JR4hcm_aiBX9-f5KoMdo2sa4AA_VhOPat5xe-f79jVMBPNNVFOwUFjF2DDRLpdgCBI4AP-xv4oTm9sQwOlBfL_N3eV_s=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I've got a dish of almonds, figs, and orange rind in my hand.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioqIDHbMZvWr0PyO8so8D-RYmixVqMzoht80BGmg5XBp7KN87oi8crJONrl1vhsksz8ubnIyffE47F8vNurZe5EtkAzJUftGs6DxRvdFDy8qSADD7p2D4fAFSlF7ryNxB7jULbiTcwCdwhoRAB7c6bsAHtDqczGUBB0ABtWmp27lbzYFykj0Wv9v9C=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioqIDHbMZvWr0PyO8so8D-RYmixVqMzoht80BGmg5XBp7KN87oi8crJONrl1vhsksz8ubnIyffE47F8vNurZe5EtkAzJUftGs6DxRvdFDy8qSADD7p2D4fAFSlF7ryNxB7jULbiTcwCdwhoRAB7c6bsAHtDqczGUBB0ABtWmp27lbzYFykj0Wv9v9C=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">They don't look like much but they really taste good.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQkRbf7BKtrMz-ORMqmEwhZTTvCj022FGr_KIT18k_jcfbwD_XtDXuJj8xe0SoReVLZjwLoa-utac06i32fyZmmtwMXyANcDUQcq1rZ3URaAEhha2DmmEriEp8jxw7a7_b_NBacsMyeiZfyLiolShWXQ53O0l_Y3ev7pkaUqK4HxEhfonaGV1uyTwl=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQkRbf7BKtrMz-ORMqmEwhZTTvCj022FGr_KIT18k_jcfbwD_XtDXuJj8xe0SoReVLZjwLoa-utac06i32fyZmmtwMXyANcDUQcq1rZ3URaAEhha2DmmEriEp8jxw7a7_b_NBacsMyeiZfyLiolShWXQ53O0l_Y3ev7pkaUqK4HxEhfonaGV1uyTwl=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Bill and I toured an old flour mill in Burnt Cabins, Pa before and it wasn't much different except much smaller.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">From the flour mill we walked through the countryside to the woolen mill. Let me mention that Croatia has more water than any other country.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqVSH6jQSnBJ8A6IsUA9q_7zsnoyA6N2-LAaPJcHGKuqMcPFXuANxzgw-nL8U_t3CJmkfEH7lPne-78RzHMtqMP3x4Z63n7-Z1Gh2VuM4S5-4CiGJaHQZHv0ZKK75T1syixxQ4x2NQ9Nfk0ru_yyEm_FCX9MHj7k8SrVNBynt8iozr-BOLDuY8P8XZ=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqVSH6jQSnBJ8A6IsUA9q_7zsnoyA6N2-LAaPJcHGKuqMcPFXuANxzgw-nL8U_t3CJmkfEH7lPne-78RzHMtqMP3x4Z63n7-Z1Gh2VuM4S5-4CiGJaHQZHv0ZKK75T1syixxQ4x2NQ9Nfk0ru_yyEm_FCX9MHj7k8SrVNBynt8iozr-BOLDuY8P8XZ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8mybGTAQlnOYvCHH-6mxwh1Aomvx9nMqZZXyAh2KMOgaPXsn5M7DfQFQFcs8sM7jar2CZVeg78VnEyGI_U0Ugt4Vcaft5EGbTK4Tu6vtcxScB1MBGjjHIF3Kph4lha62GiBY-sK8UhCdFcMUvkkLO22hVopwEQYhgABKg_nUUKx9fiXUgnR65j-Id=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8mybGTAQlnOYvCHH-6mxwh1Aomvx9nMqZZXyAh2KMOgaPXsn5M7DfQFQFcs8sM7jar2CZVeg78VnEyGI_U0Ugt4Vcaft5EGbTK4Tu6vtcxScB1MBGjjHIF3Kph4lha62GiBY-sK8UhCdFcMUvkkLO22hVopwEQYhgABKg_nUUKx9fiXUgnR65j-Id=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Our guide turned a valve and the water was diverted to a cog wheel.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrlhd02rEaHzdNwIBKfX0SVxfFqAU_0IaAoC1FHDlN-9DNCBuzk2SR7Ohoev5Xi9OJfhxVdhR9t7EjbU1gDsB2Jhqjli_6zTNdsvOD1DIThNHqXkVptq7NBLN17-4QDOYWECFb7eGOp8DNPpSCwShyb9MBHq9-fUEkhcM1uBLgLDO_dfCnoqD5-eyN=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrlhd02rEaHzdNwIBKfX0SVxfFqAU_0IaAoC1FHDlN-9DNCBuzk2SR7Ohoev5Xi9OJfhxVdhR9t7EjbU1gDsB2Jhqjli_6zTNdsvOD1DIThNHqXkVptq7NBLN17-4QDOYWECFb7eGOp8DNPpSCwShyb9MBHq9-fUEkhcM1uBLgLDO_dfCnoqD5-eyN=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I would never remember the dates if I didn't take a photo of it.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBllYDqxEN65KoiRD7tumjkHziscLQ2wIbIAizDcB3Fmzl9CS6U0nB2ju-K5uFEYkMNJS5Hxk-m267KO90JqAbuFgfLr1-HHjnRwersoapf9gnfYqcVrDJ6MOq5vN3cXiqVaEq9z-0j5UyYVYSmwgO_qPxKkrDOR0N2NcCikB_SJ9hp-A8DaqMCvPi=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBllYDqxEN65KoiRD7tumjkHziscLQ2wIbIAizDcB3Fmzl9CS6U0nB2ju-K5uFEYkMNJS5Hxk-m267KO90JqAbuFgfLr1-HHjnRwersoapf9gnfYqcVrDJ6MOq5vN3cXiqVaEq9z-0j5UyYVYSmwgO_qPxKkrDOR0N2NcCikB_SJ9hp-A8DaqMCvPi=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I was having a hard time wondering how this pounding of the wool worked.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi61w8LvK3zKQLw8z034UMuzFkshNX_UobddTWy6zhTdv8U7PMC0b_x3-vaP5J2wJvAW7tE5cxb1pmM9pGHrxj98FEZOfgeq7Iy00vAyg4I_cC1dFdcykD4bnfzaf9GssMRHl4rd0XrbRxINo3ouYdbrV_Ya-3KiTSw0Q2tV83LU_olHttKHHdGd1LV=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi61w8LvK3zKQLw8z034UMuzFkshNX_UobddTWy6zhTdv8U7PMC0b_x3-vaP5J2wJvAW7tE5cxb1pmM9pGHrxj98FEZOfgeq7Iy00vAyg4I_cC1dFdcykD4bnfzaf9GssMRHl4rd0XrbRxINo3ouYdbrV_Ya-3KiTSw0Q2tV83LU_olHttKHHdGd1LV=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Once he showed me examples of the wool, then I understood the process. It actually compresses the wool.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjajcbzhbYPKAipHeRGclSs7JKCiB3fYCZYNe955PVCDp7816DlsAcqZHLYXtqRgHGkEjtR6KoK0V3RuypgVtPvtPAZcG4ad7uGvdMp9B5nGW8kne9s_qlTZYlVojy4A8QYNh9nsvc_QNhSV6J3SLbxoeixfNpQM-pItASdRZ1damZaGR8AMTh9_Ffl=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjajcbzhbYPKAipHeRGclSs7JKCiB3fYCZYNe955PVCDp7816DlsAcqZHLYXtqRgHGkEjtR6KoK0V3RuypgVtPvtPAZcG4ad7uGvdMp9B5nGW8kne9s_qlTZYlVojy4A8QYNh9nsvc_QNhSV6J3SLbxoeixfNpQM-pItASdRZ1damZaGR8AMTh9_Ffl=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Those of you who read my blog about our Sicily trip will enjoy this photo of Bill and the cat!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTmtWktPR86ln0xl62V3fcjH0X8462N0mFxP683lW0y__3sPIiS3riwgx_EXb9wq5CXRAbI35c7is9tSyzYWKM5eA3_JGn56xz2J3DS8bawQzmpiOfd8aQc-5OK2MTkMu-za2Nhmi40jsQD-NybZDoSv4MDLzIBP0B34TfBqgWu0b4ERYSdEml788K=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTmtWktPR86ln0xl62V3fcjH0X8462N0mFxP683lW0y__3sPIiS3riwgx_EXb9wq5CXRAbI35c7is9tSyzYWKM5eA3_JGn56xz2J3DS8bawQzmpiOfd8aQc-5OK2MTkMu-za2Nhmi40jsQD-NybZDoSv4MDLzIBP0B34TfBqgWu0b4ERYSdEml788K=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Our next stop was a family home which is over 500 years old. The granddaughter said she was the guide and for Zoran to shut up. We were greeted with more raki in different flavors and music.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnaXYaB5sxRcbfNcS60IIs_ouE7wAFMAtI3yoKQmRzfQPR5cGNoRUas_Vf2dOx1S_tRdLWeYVrjM5xD7zNcwWcrXNVY0rjvjnaRzEu6hzcjemL_xw3yzSp5MUXxED1J_o9ppqTHhMKdpX5dYKfF6c4vHJVLHlXVi3NY8S4jM3GawjRidKUYZgDpv4M=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnaXYaB5sxRcbfNcS60IIs_ouE7wAFMAtI3yoKQmRzfQPR5cGNoRUas_Vf2dOx1S_tRdLWeYVrjM5xD7zNcwWcrXNVY0rjvjnaRzEu6hzcjemL_xw3yzSp5MUXxED1J_o9ppqTHhMKdpX5dYKfF6c4vHJVLHlXVi3NY8S4jM3GawjRidKUYZgDpv4M=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We were shown a flour mill and olive oil press.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSRAtLaFI1lnyzXd_jwH8z_tt4dGYF1WEqH5US9qlcmcLlnmWRQs73S4v3MpFM_R0mlbzjQkymGJWZnb3kWuzDh7i37iRUWsElapU_pTuJ1BYgQFk_WdrutML0IcBYZrQFotTDN-vaIvhqY-KINAEIMGdet6Ym5mhRcOxo-6DEG1F9x69IRc9pY46D=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSRAtLaFI1lnyzXd_jwH8z_tt4dGYF1WEqH5US9qlcmcLlnmWRQs73S4v3MpFM_R0mlbzjQkymGJWZnb3kWuzDh7i37iRUWsElapU_pTuJ1BYgQFk_WdrutML0IcBYZrQFotTDN-vaIvhqY-KINAEIMGdet6Ym5mhRcOxo-6DEG1F9x69IRc9pY46D=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Here's a view of the back of the house and the surrounding mountains. They are very close to Montenegro and Serbia. Only the stone walls were left of the house after the war.</span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0FNbCJiKTiQc0OmYo9fZQF9XVN7tuJcBwvrfLBd8MgJKQdtaonu85VtzYJAXXaZ6I-rSoZLez8CJ9hZv3vgM7BH5FFao0Fi0kTs7zmdkxfCnSBTaoc4WwcsXg_G0M_YC-3uUsS7M9erY3xVQdJ6pOcxL6FZ1cjHqS9atAyF9UpjIjQicKex6ANVpc=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0FNbCJiKTiQc0OmYo9fZQF9XVN7tuJcBwvrfLBd8MgJKQdtaonu85VtzYJAXXaZ6I-rSoZLez8CJ9hZv3vgM7BH5FFao0Fi0kTs7zmdkxfCnSBTaoc4WwcsXg_G0M_YC-3uUsS7M9erY3xVQdJ6pOcxL6FZ1cjHqS9atAyF9UpjIjQicKex6ANVpc=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Here's what the house looked like after the Yugoslavians burned it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXAu0QABrDR_jnf9iURmG_kQa1ZwLwfpWouwKlf4jbMKZBTF54e3kNTNhpe-CipErdDnpXj5f602JpWokO9ozCFqQ9-V-EprG_GcpFsmTD5sMLowzhz4EYSELZV-tPrxnkkq5Fd6G1_1X502s-qG8e2N-roItWoxqA8hpLnBfqMdAPapq8JK3YmLh3=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXAu0QABrDR_jnf9iURmG_kQa1ZwLwfpWouwKlf4jbMKZBTF54e3kNTNhpe-CipErdDnpXj5f602JpWokO9ozCFqQ9-V-EprG_GcpFsmTD5sMLowzhz4EYSELZV-tPrxnkkq5Fd6G1_1X502s-qG8e2N-roItWoxqA8hpLnBfqMdAPapq8JK3YmLh3=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We then were treated to a tradational dance by a couple. Wish I would have thought to put it on video.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaWQ3jzJQ_eMvE6fu0g3D5vPmrT-oib6Jw2SdH5ZDdnO0je-mnBXjjjHLH9EzmR_692qaM6LTw1MI0S36XLKpZg9U_qfH6AKbxj-DahcOFV7vvAQYC_3P3wLloFLGqeTfIGAeVHSfld3MsQZVQKxOdAMEn3XW6MAy8CHUbMIt-2KvHcfv3aRKleacY=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaWQ3jzJQ_eMvE6fu0g3D5vPmrT-oib6Jw2SdH5ZDdnO0je-mnBXjjjHLH9EzmR_692qaM6LTw1MI0S36XLKpZg9U_qfH6AKbxj-DahcOFV7vvAQYC_3P3wLloFLGqeTfIGAeVHSfld3MsQZVQKxOdAMEn3XW6MAy8CHUbMIt-2KvHcfv3aRKleacY=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We had a lovely meal and loved the music. We were all singing along. They played a lot of our favorite songs.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">By the time we got back to the ship we just spent time relaxing. It was warm enough to sit on the balcony or sun deck.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Dinner was excellent as usual. Following dinner we had two men playing music for us. One was a violin accompanied by a guitar. Normally I wouldn't like this kind of music, but it was really good. Not one person dozed off!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Tomorrow we go to another country. It's small and only has a population of 600,000.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely........</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p></div>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-18590227448497352442021-12-18T12:35:00.005-08:002021-12-18T12:35:47.963-08:00Day 7--Dubrovnik, Croatia<p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Today was a busy day. Usually our tours start at 9 am but today the bus was ready at the gangplank at 8:30. Breakfast is served every morning from 7:30 to 8:30 so we left the dining room in time to grab our coats. Zoran said to dress warmly as the borac winds were blowing. The skies were clear and very blue.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy1LqKuQBoSNZWodqOjGTlWt0uo6VUigUL_TlZBxAfJ0a7P1QHuiYgsR7SsVPb1P07PUG9G7-SWU8zWmuJQk3mzlA172nU_wPPH0476KDWaM8Xl25JVhRWOCoDxHfkuzE9h-1dFt19KkpVQl8aHEXpxyheA20_YCK3TgRs3QcF5Z6RTxg4XlK5l_Xb=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy1LqKuQBoSNZWodqOjGTlWt0uo6VUigUL_TlZBxAfJ0a7P1QHuiYgsR7SsVPb1P07PUG9G7-SWU8zWmuJQk3mzlA172nU_wPPH0476KDWaM8Xl25JVhRWOCoDxHfkuzE9h-1dFt19KkpVQl8aHEXpxyheA20_YCK3TgRs3QcF5Z6RTxg4XlK5l_Xb=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Our first stop with our local guide was up on the hill to look down at Dubrovnik. I'm sure that anyone that has visited the area has stopped at this spot. <br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRs66uxHPDbOpi5DACi1yHxVtoT9_Ix5EdaMAHBUUxu6SIRZZQRnG_eqSUEoZ5VXhi7gELvI8syFuGUcpUuWY-Mlycr4Y_mH9j5hmmqxSFXGxwt_vR3M-j1h7prJftDer64XDRuYEdvIqv26gbSP8t-oaF_1MtpaJvjM7gVlHZkMRPqWhNJqq9o51B=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRs66uxHPDbOpi5DACi1yHxVtoT9_Ix5EdaMAHBUUxu6SIRZZQRnG_eqSUEoZ5VXhi7gELvI8syFuGUcpUuWY-Mlycr4Y_mH9j5hmmqxSFXGxwt_vR3M-j1h7prJftDer64XDRuYEdvIqv26gbSP8t-oaF_1MtpaJvjM7gVlHZkMRPqWhNJqq9o51B=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Any pictures you've seen of Dubrovnik are just as beautiful in person.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVoF84sYiO2Imjzihd7-inlMdtEFiF3rhBuvy_P7ertmK0KN0zRR5sJtd8IUcrvXB9eSGVDvWhwMrKej9py4cKfd6XMg9aVylV_Vru_bF_paWPnM5RY_nG-Aof44Vy9dUc8NRkK4IedHHR59NcfTg8vsJCWMBsVH4SRbsgWYpUtpylQy7o54eiTPU2=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVoF84sYiO2Imjzihd7-inlMdtEFiF3rhBuvy_P7ertmK0KN0zRR5sJtd8IUcrvXB9eSGVDvWhwMrKej9py4cKfd6XMg9aVylV_Vru_bF_paWPnM5RY_nG-Aof44Vy9dUc8NRkK4IedHHR59NcfTg8vsJCWMBsVH4SRbsgWYpUtpylQy7o54eiTPU2=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">This medieval city is very clean and charming. Hard to believe they could construct a city like this and it still be standing today.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDs5cS6wbBn8eEFmVYcAaIxdnpx2xbsqNGjZYDL0mAjBOwOV-GOebS205BqWJTL_auXh56h19_NXapvhK8D1PhM1o2vAuUN81EFUmQeC8QgXozgsGOAfKMnGi15e3h24XhkDzikoTkLKbH8C2S26osRdfyXWnmr20oGbV052sRAc-e0XV4pr6RDuQP=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDs5cS6wbBn8eEFmVYcAaIxdnpx2xbsqNGjZYDL0mAjBOwOV-GOebS205BqWJTL_auXh56h19_NXapvhK8D1PhM1o2vAuUN81EFUmQeC8QgXozgsGOAfKMnGi15e3h24XhkDzikoTkLKbH8C2S26osRdfyXWnmr20oGbV052sRAc-e0XV4pr6RDuQP=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Our local guide told us about the three islands where this was the first place to ever quarantine anyone. They built wooden structures as they burned them down after the quarantine from the plague.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_foFtNy7-ya38EG68r76WFMV8I-62ofB7GiKoMxuDkFhemJ0iFgw_gKupK7pFEpOjlLOWJ55tceJPYIt4a80w-sKGKo00LaBD-GWqB7KulyWiZW066N13P4F2wIQeenH5irp2mBwO2poumFWwm7IbBWW284HVcxEGmzGaLE09Qa2da5kH9chuy7G_=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_foFtNy7-ya38EG68r76WFMV8I-62ofB7GiKoMxuDkFhemJ0iFgw_gKupK7pFEpOjlLOWJ55tceJPYIt4a80w-sKGKo00LaBD-GWqB7KulyWiZW066N13P4F2wIQeenH5irp2mBwO2poumFWwm7IbBWW284HVcxEGmzGaLE09Qa2da5kH9chuy7G_=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Our guide said she was born in that apartment and she knows everyone in town as the people all stopped to say "hello".</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_IoOeolvq0I_pBTVMxo3gMpMPQyHlBrAgSId2gFqJjENbK67WUUsldfPqZzp1BsZ0MScOXyMnp91VX3VoXyC4gN1vCkBMXEdUvFlgYT-MeUlrGMPbaz62E-yUmyZ_nf8NOdUovmbdlV-Pf6waSpDjKLyXuclqQZ2XK59QIIN9dIKyRitnSC9X6Tq9=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_IoOeolvq0I_pBTVMxo3gMpMPQyHlBrAgSId2gFqJjENbK67WUUsldfPqZzp1BsZ0MScOXyMnp91VX3VoXyC4gN1vCkBMXEdUvFlgYT-MeUlrGMPbaz62E-yUmyZ_nf8NOdUovmbdlV-Pf6waSpDjKLyXuclqQZ2XK59QIIN9dIKyRitnSC9X6Tq9=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Here's the produce that some local people produce.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBCpJGVypKM7AGQH1CTijqLgqMqmjvNEGUoxQ8sklhFqUZSnANFM7mA5W6yOoPW9mRMuWTjgqxDjkJR4D4Weck3qUdm9uRjTsI8Dws97Mb2G4XIRaWlxd4YsOPXxDiNK7H8qdS1E92Xls0Kql-jXaaN8jmZOF8f8i43qhDld1zUX3VFY3iBKrohiOj=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBCpJGVypKM7AGQH1CTijqLgqMqmjvNEGUoxQ8sklhFqUZSnANFM7mA5W6yOoPW9mRMuWTjgqxDjkJR4D4Weck3qUdm9uRjTsI8Dws97Mb2G4XIRaWlxd4YsOPXxDiNK7H8qdS1E92Xls0Kql-jXaaN8jmZOF8f8i43qhDld1zUX3VFY3iBKrohiOj=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I have no idea how large this walled city is.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd097teyfedeDQwGLuwAG6vHSyhSH283IKOeCjGFe9MjWJ_1OKDJdizpzM9ofZBBROjLg2bITIDkssp7YP_8RIoG7Wyz2aqrhwEFs8yRZY8XI1lUMp0a42eBwjTgNGA4RKjOvj8-NO6ai_RfZ7HNfl3cuM0CGKe-_78nO__pop0Rdy0-lO5inbWg_3=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd097teyfedeDQwGLuwAG6vHSyhSH283IKOeCjGFe9MjWJ_1OKDJdizpzM9ofZBBROjLg2bITIDkssp7YP_8RIoG7Wyz2aqrhwEFs8yRZY8XI1lUMp0a42eBwjTgNGA4RKjOvj8-NO6ai_RfZ7HNfl3cuM0CGKe-_78nO__pop0Rdy0-lO5inbWg_3=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Here's everyone in our group except Joe. Joe was in a war bird plane crash a few years ago and has a walker. He thought it would be too much walking so stayed onboard the ship. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivYXwc_5wX1EZvee2lFRJxGUCt_RgudNZHlbHz5erTelzMLBUdLuP4Mw0ElieFC2B7Cfs_UC3XULe9uvvD2E7k5W1uPkbjvfGnpO8qgC19csC3KhC4jnKyYVyXXmmqyRVMzTZnPlFbDz0Pct9BxFoT4l3J4d2YYasAJpM1LFiX5T1tV39isg9reemg=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivYXwc_5wX1EZvee2lFRJxGUCt_RgudNZHlbHz5erTelzMLBUdLuP4Mw0ElieFC2B7Cfs_UC3XULe9uvvD2E7k5W1uPkbjvfGnpO8qgC19csC3KhC4jnKyYVyXXmmqyRVMzTZnPlFbDz0Pct9BxFoT4l3J4d2YYasAJpM1LFiX5T1tV39isg9reemg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We had a women give us a lecture on what it was like when Yugoslavia invaded Croatia back in the early 90's. She told of her personal experiences. It gave you chills up your spine to hear of her experiences. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">As we were leaving the seminar room we passed many young people in Croatian clothing. I stopped one girl and asked if I could take a picture. I did a snapshot and she said no, she then took off her coat and asked her companions to pose for me. The people of the coutry are so nice and welcoming</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRrtFEgqBp8A40CEuL9w-kn07PfHyZvLJa8G41jLLT6zqnxQ-eZtu6RHVrSIXK-adk-gYXMyJZ4_ngvbPR0JjzcnvUFRkvwFuq90np7H3_8cmIxGYaDKgFE26bUhCr-e_2N7W1fzYrPMq3wVCA5MvfMQb1ky97wwjRiwOLC1eAe4fr0YP3nRVVqyZK=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRrtFEgqBp8A40CEuL9w-kn07PfHyZvLJa8G41jLLT6zqnxQ-eZtu6RHVrSIXK-adk-gYXMyJZ4_ngvbPR0JjzcnvUFRkvwFuq90np7H3_8cmIxGYaDKgFE26bUhCr-e_2N7W1fzYrPMq3wVCA5MvfMQb1ky97wwjRiwOLC1eAe4fr0YP3nRVVqyZK=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br />I don't know why, but I also seem to take photos of canons. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLvwF9xhacxOGRyv7gk9y4rasNhVSibRYjih34pvgmiRctXF6HaIOli8JMNH2B72_Sg6H1tayqp6z0du4s-twhiRIPUotpkTk35DBe_eUs031LKnQyQljbVwFPKB3mHFzmEJ71uGATduLTZkwIH2UupbKzYoVV-JSS9AtZ0qFT397Kc12_JIssxUJK=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLvwF9xhacxOGRyv7gk9y4rasNhVSibRYjih34pvgmiRctXF6HaIOli8JMNH2B72_Sg6H1tayqp6z0du4s-twhiRIPUotpkTk35DBe_eUs031LKnQyQljbVwFPKB3mHFzmEJ71uGATduLTZkwIH2UupbKzYoVV-JSS9AtZ0qFT397Kc12_JIssxUJK=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Croatia only had 6 canons while Yugoslavia had 120 but they still defeated Yugoslavia. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikMnQRaqRx0BP7bRQcpKSS_CIBryG_alnnrIQYxDbJKmY3zNgylMx34L5qsAEkwpAOBqRSkGWLKh3Msw58KM0N1YknlyUj-4PMxrAZRlGMP5-Ik0yXbe_qK5HPE0EWC0PbdTpXHK78sdv0wz6qHojExcjKd8Kx624aEnLeWtT40d4s4VAFMBYL56wv=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikMnQRaqRx0BP7bRQcpKSS_CIBryG_alnnrIQYxDbJKmY3zNgylMx34L5qsAEkwpAOBqRSkGWLKh3Msw58KM0N1YknlyUj-4PMxrAZRlGMP5-Ik0yXbe_qK5HPE0EWC0PbdTpXHK78sdv0wz6qHojExcjKd8Kx624aEnLeWtT40d4s4VAFMBYL56wv=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I still hold my breath when I see a cat near Bill. We will be in port two days so decided to do walk the wall tomorrow.</span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We returned to the ship in time for lunch. After lunch we had a Sir Edmund Hillary meeting. To become part of the Sir Edmund Hillary you have to do three trips with OAT or the sister company, Grand Circle. This is our 15th trip but there were two other couples with 31 and 21 trips. Of the 17 passengers there were 13 people that attended. There was much champagne and raki flowing. The two couples received gift bags of gifts made in Croatia. The rest of us all received our trip pins.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">As soon as that was over, we went and got our coats as we were leaving for our home hosted dinner. We were divided into smaller groups. Bill and I were in a group of 8. The girl was waiting on the corner when our bus arrived. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAPkn7iCTxLaMbVXzgfnTGODgMWDVJNkfwHyNwksjzwYUisBGkteAQCkLR2zf54EaVOIrKhLl9JQPxmX5Y6IwVIKBvHIi7ilXXwyxU5U8hAfcgizKBZuNuuzAJwUk8DJe7HYvKbUiYpz-loWUJlaPI87TjA_jvwhQxZiUNGtiRfSg2SVbjWkqh1JVn=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAPkn7iCTxLaMbVXzgfnTGODgMWDVJNkfwHyNwksjzwYUisBGkteAQCkLR2zf54EaVOIrKhLl9JQPxmX5Y6IwVIKBvHIi7ilXXwyxU5U8hAfcgizKBZuNuuzAJwUk8DJe7HYvKbUiYpz-loWUJlaPI87TjA_jvwhQxZiUNGtiRfSg2SVbjWkqh1JVn=s320" width="320" /></a></div>We were escorted into the smoke house. I really wasn't sure what to expect. There were two boards that we sat on. The daughter passed some dried figs to us and then she passed out raki. Now if you've never had raki you need to try it. It will take your breath away. You are suppose to drink it in one swallow. The family makes the drink and this tasted different than the one we had on the ship.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHubQ5PJ2bpr6ElnoMk0euak2XF1RoOdJuYfTKwPbXqoUDWsepGYnvTZRnskNH24J3Wij8kfdcwkhZK72KEfh4w79Krz8dauf19ETVbGsF7acNZVr_ZV7cbBUFMxLevPQReS0-cJ0ol8lcUbLmHAX_x6UKXA-lfr3EYb8hQWYANldQD515S4Uu965Y=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHubQ5PJ2bpr6ElnoMk0euak2XF1RoOdJuYfTKwPbXqoUDWsepGYnvTZRnskNH24J3Wij8kfdcwkhZK72KEfh4w79Krz8dauf19ETVbGsF7acNZVr_ZV7cbBUFMxLevPQReS0-cJ0ol8lcUbLmHAX_x6UKXA-lfr3EYb8hQWYANldQD515S4Uu965Y=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">They smoke all kinds of meats and store their vegetables in the smoke house. This family lives in a small village of 120 people about a 45 minute drive from the ship dock.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0fY3MGhJGm27yJtqnEYnjFvJo3JGHEJS0pdkm-Eu0YLvpLW3qtimejbNtybrVBb8ljJjx1dhWEb7IMfQPy6zgr9xqF5QpS4VteUrJH7qFG69_AETSFPpqGs2w0mb0VXX8RU1_zuDsoJd7wGpJX5LBrK4mU9T-hiyQ3FpbLuiZX8PmHruewn7dSbc7=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0fY3MGhJGm27yJtqnEYnjFvJo3JGHEJS0pdkm-Eu0YLvpLW3qtimejbNtybrVBb8ljJjx1dhWEb7IMfQPy6zgr9xqF5QpS4VteUrJH7qFG69_AETSFPpqGs2w0mb0VXX8RU1_zuDsoJd7wGpJX5LBrK4mU9T-hiyQ3FpbLuiZX8PmHruewn7dSbc7=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We had a pasta with meat and cinnamon sauce and apple strudel for desserts. I didn't have any of the homemade bread but those that did had seconds. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">We enjoyed our time and learned a lot about the life of typical Croatia family. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">Turtle Safely.........</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span></p></div>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-12116455808641256472021-12-17T07:02:00.000-08:002021-12-17T07:02:58.540-08:00Day 6--Split<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYZuke88VzVfnjOw4Rd90BnnHBxrdcJAXtSup0wLx-p2s6PZXqYYVkF3UCFCAkq2WyukrF16S2md6UyTPoFOiLKWzcqOBjusLS0m-HEHwyc8tmVmcgGY9y5g2uN3cv-Fb4DMzLQa7F3T6CGk8JbbWScFrI_tHybWZxa-iTeCGukMBGp1pswGEh7m4Z=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYZuke88VzVfnjOw4Rd90BnnHBxrdcJAXtSup0wLx-p2s6PZXqYYVkF3UCFCAkq2WyukrF16S2md6UyTPoFOiLKWzcqOBjusLS0m-HEHwyc8tmVmcgGY9y5g2uN3cv-Fb4DMzLQa7F3T6CGk8JbbWScFrI_tHybWZxa-iTeCGukMBGp1pswGEh7m4Z=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Last night during our nightly port talk the Captain announced that there were heavy winds expected. In order to avoid them and keep us safe, they changed our itinerary to Split today. We will still stop at the scheduled ports just not in that order. We left earlier last night sometime while we were in bed. Today as the sun was rising we pulled into the port of Split. We were told that any time we have a banana split, we'll think of Split.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Zoran gave a lecture last night on the Roman Empire and talked about how the Roman's came to this area. I was very tired, but managed to stay awake to listen to the talk. I'm glad I did, because it all tied in with the tour today. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Our local tour guide was excellent. He added humor into the tour and had a great voice that was easy to understand for those of us who have a hearing problem.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9x7gO-e-zFS2nGxxd0a-EylPzzePhB8oFCOyEHtgYTgzY0AtNRNZVoKUD2p8l2oDMmK6xv0e0o2JESib4YoIqOw5DSy4J1FjkypAe4IlG_w3nqKl3qGPkTIDi11THZmgc5baLUazs59GJnh-UD3x0lab9AjgndtxeHT63kfFr1_2hNj0OsG36nyvb=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9x7gO-e-zFS2nGxxd0a-EylPzzePhB8oFCOyEHtgYTgzY0AtNRNZVoKUD2p8l2oDMmK6xv0e0o2JESib4YoIqOw5DSy4J1FjkypAe4IlG_w3nqKl3qGPkTIDi11THZmgc5baLUazs59GJnh-UD3x0lab9AjgndtxeHT63kfFr1_2hNj0OsG36nyvb=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /> It turned out to be a gorgeous day. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPHaphlqgSsTZq2JqacWy3jLXNz14HrrsMU5x1MSVeiS-0OunBbONgcH-NaDCWKx8A18kJol5azePVNbTJT21R2LmoFICb2jb6enTX6hLMClZQXxhtebNuyOdUE_RWjU-nl10Zm-s6CG5DGlFad_K4SeAweVXCG7N7GtAYD9bnWvppYgd7ltmnFRv9=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPHaphlqgSsTZq2JqacWy3jLXNz14HrrsMU5x1MSVeiS-0OunBbONgcH-NaDCWKx8A18kJol5azePVNbTJT21R2LmoFICb2jb6enTX6hLMClZQXxhtebNuyOdUE_RWjU-nl10Zm-s6CG5DGlFad_K4SeAweVXCG7N7GtAYD9bnWvppYgd7ltmnFRv9=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Here's our tour guide who is going to take us through the palace.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh--gEJUoLC1qqk2_bcMNP71nor419jFMc6m0kR2NseJlRySlCzHBfYqyNXvzBmtgGyPbHDB7Ivu03Qg9qny4rPd6mXtUOAX1-XexI6XT2tPSYvxwDfgMFuaxzKASteD9SSWxBpRq3ops-PkyrWu9o9iOKXJtrPcLONzITfjsdDTqr1B10SazKw3ISm=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh--gEJUoLC1qqk2_bcMNP71nor419jFMc6m0kR2NseJlRySlCzHBfYqyNXvzBmtgGyPbHDB7Ivu03Qg9qny4rPd6mXtUOAX1-XexI6XT2tPSYvxwDfgMFuaxzKASteD9SSWxBpRq3ops-PkyrWu9o9iOKXJtrPcLONzITfjsdDTqr1B10SazKw3ISm=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Whenever we see this symbol, we know this is going to be interesting. Do you know what this symbol stands for?</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYSngoJes59zgfPNkY0RRo5CHX-E7az-NqHMoTyzfZHhV0FO-tnumtbx7c3J0r8Mtqj1tjVa958GRyUM6iL6u3kCIC8onmJuOIC_L_aOcwevqfzR0FXFwwtvgWG0LMC7acmq9boiTxgK1zoYDT67DuFihFQj4z47ZrYxm09cBNBps013pZwL1Wlwiy=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYSngoJes59zgfPNkY0RRo5CHX-E7az-NqHMoTyzfZHhV0FO-tnumtbx7c3J0r8Mtqj1tjVa958GRyUM6iL6u3kCIC8onmJuOIC_L_aOcwevqfzR0FXFwwtvgWG0LMC7acmq9boiTxgK1zoYDT67DuFihFQj4z47ZrYxm09cBNBps013pZwL1Wlwiy=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtV6TTueshUgodh1N8u5f_wGCGeg4NA3pE8YMAENzmtuxHJpZ5O5Hi_jUCoBpWsQaZOlgeo3hbUUrx8Wqhne07MMbno0KTOpl_ju0YIlKaEE87lBURVg9yNe3H_PtlWxvKjFjlwTa1W0S5CH2SOFhWMWNh-kUNmZqqO2o1k7nNV6wEgTs0JH-V9PCm=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtV6TTueshUgodh1N8u5f_wGCGeg4NA3pE8YMAENzmtuxHJpZ5O5Hi_jUCoBpWsQaZOlgeo3hbUUrx8Wqhne07MMbno0KTOpl_ju0YIlKaEE87lBURVg9yNe3H_PtlWxvKjFjlwTa1W0S5CH2SOFhWMWNh-kUNmZqqO2o1k7nNV6wEgTs0JH-V9PCm=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Can you see the excitement in his face? Talking about old places, 2,700 years old!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1Vbg3vZSUmi0WKSLtjsl-A2mNCa6WJixTl6l2gyMey0QHMzCibAa3Q-9Xb8jOaFDpARoZEcRU4lrBmd6_igK6Av75B3E1NF56vt21RaX8ta8rUtovyrQrP1ScJmhmBzqH3MCB_ORPEy8koi1SwuYqR50HEfGtGLglgalRB6yCnKj7SFCBz6OgQqea=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1Vbg3vZSUmi0WKSLtjsl-A2mNCa6WJixTl6l2gyMey0QHMzCibAa3Q-9Xb8jOaFDpARoZEcRU4lrBmd6_igK6Av75B3E1NF56vt21RaX8ta8rUtovyrQrP1ScJmhmBzqH3MCB_ORPEy8koi1SwuYqR50HEfGtGLglgalRB6yCnKj7SFCBz6OgQqea=s320" width="320" /></a></div>It's so nice to be the only group touring the castle. I can't imagine how crowded it would be if big cruise ships were in town along with all the tourist that come by train or bus. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUYCbuJVfmGnbYsoKkdAZ2e10g62_LLffOVIgHQOIU-coVKW-ix3LdV7qmgFMDESZ4MoCPWGYtYwqa0IcBQiMn7dEMMC1Ew4pPyiMaapIUnijsCfWfG0xQ658699JdcVvxCfbQbxoiEXDgUrJcdM3CLwkFVXGpxP9x-5g8g6ys3dQU-LtcpqCFKRzS=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUYCbuJVfmGnbYsoKkdAZ2e10g62_LLffOVIgHQOIU-coVKW-ix3LdV7qmgFMDESZ4MoCPWGYtYwqa0IcBQiMn7dEMMC1Ew4pPyiMaapIUnijsCfWfG0xQ658699JdcVvxCfbQbxoiEXDgUrJcdM3CLwkFVXGpxP9x-5g8g6ys3dQU-LtcpqCFKRzS=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">These stones were all hand chisled to follow the curves of this room. Remem</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">ber built in 305 AD!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjkKcuHkB5gvZk5fNCTFy_bgbpobKYbTkbpKJVgNP38tKBvZFkdrokVF3nWohS9ZeAesn0WRg2oMJmhEqidB9t_G-qJGkt4Yh_XZxjgoAeZlXNtVZEaFjq5JBUQD1fyZmRkYn8qZ-audRW_tSXJS87qfR1YPAo-JRL1deQa6E4Gzit6Q4aoQO4qyku=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjkKcuHkB5gvZk5fNCTFy_bgbpobKYbTkbpKJVgNP38tKBvZFkdrokVF3nWohS9ZeAesn0WRg2oMJmhEqidB9t_G-qJGkt4Yh_XZxjgoAeZlXNtVZEaFjq5JBUQD1fyZmRkYn8qZ-audRW_tSXJS87qfR1YPAo-JRL1deQa6E4Gzit6Q4aoQO4qyku=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">People have lived in the palace continuously for over 3,000 years.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-U3vBPm8LHOR7ffdu6eVoYjGS2Zv8QQccXfR23KepdpBTyuTK0IA1vzc27uHVDZul6nsqhOJj62i4DNvvfm33bj4Z86twrph8CEIeuAy971sVODVIP4o5BJYzciPQonMbVlBkjSIxYlfyYhwfiUH3aD_KDrfJH2hrPlRV8rLaHBjTuIWI4jSjc2BL=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-U3vBPm8LHOR7ffdu6eVoYjGS2Zv8QQccXfR23KepdpBTyuTK0IA1vzc27uHVDZul6nsqhOJj62i4DNvvfm33bj4Z86twrph8CEIeuAy971sVODVIP4o5BJYzciPQonMbVlBkjSIxYlfyYhwfiUH3aD_KDrfJH2hrPlRV8rLaHBjTuIWI4jSjc2BL=s320" width="320" /></a></div>You can really appreciate how nice it is to travel with only 17 people compared to thousands. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuARvsMNRF48GFpUjfM6vPPb23p7kU3gVPHpaFEkgcyRazA4jJJzClUvp7ELhkSaAumPcwqWS7N8bawvGTyP68TyO3uZCvqB0l6UJtR85B3mSK9DmVi_YJtlqkhoHUx4Y5nJoENpR_B8gsX0-iQzWwfCkJz0GOSe20HcCGGZP6kJCub01rFuRY1U_X=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuARvsMNRF48GFpUjfM6vPPb23p7kU3gVPHpaFEkgcyRazA4jJJzClUvp7ELhkSaAumPcwqWS7N8bawvGTyP68TyO3uZCvqB0l6UJtR85B3mSK9DmVi_YJtlqkhoHUx4Y5nJoENpR_B8gsX0-iQzWwfCkJz0GOSe20HcCGGZP6kJCub01rFuRY1U_X=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The Romans had fresh running water and sewage. These are the pipes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdj0dLLtsdR_Rq8hT9egtQm0XjxzW1083vO_xEeubyilLmtv43dFq60XKYTDEBp41EXsXEDcagmi3vpjYt0g7OlcgB5WYYs4f7k9YG8MzM3fLVPTXXaAEC0Or_GEuMy4sMmoNSMKYEQoN2XTpTR0ceemjTzQeIQibcuAH4XBg2UyhITlnPIGnl22Va=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdj0dLLtsdR_Rq8hT9egtQm0XjxzW1083vO_xEeubyilLmtv43dFq60XKYTDEBp41EXsXEDcagmi3vpjYt0g7OlcgB5WYYs4f7k9YG8MzM3fLVPTXXaAEC0Or_GEuMy4sMmoNSMKYEQoN2XTpTR0ceemjTzQeIQibcuAH4XBg2UyhITlnPIGnl22Va=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The Cathedral is the longest running Cathedral in all of Europe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Can you see this key? There are 3 of the 4 gates still standing today.</span></div></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">After the Palace tour our local guide took for a walk through Split. It's a beautiful town. Very clean and friendly people.</span></div></div><p></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkPKWKyZmqm35ijDE9tbhhe356xqiC4n1IAqDdvRMY7uLxfsPkJx1hMN0HT66DyhaRzGgX9_H6shhoQZlZV_iMfMTyKMTJAKVSAxd7sgkDTzOGBkHnSjXM-ja4Tc-GZYLxVhKXGUwJg7sHO17nkHspHiUh_KCLHjw4fGGQ2ph6F97MnS7AespwgXOy=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkPKWKyZmqm35ijDE9tbhhe356xqiC4n1IAqDdvRMY7uLxfsPkJx1hMN0HT66DyhaRzGgX9_H6shhoQZlZV_iMfMTyKMTJAKVSAxd7sgkDTzOGBkHnSjXM-ja4Tc-GZYLxVhKXGUwJg7sHO17nkHspHiUh_KCLHjw4fGGQ2ph6F97MnS7AespwgXOy=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Maybe it's time we watch the Game of Thrones.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2_vMbgsvyCKH-caV9WgZMEALqZhPX1Cz1ydIGFbntxCWRPVCpCWWtTKHyXj14f5qqdDhVGLHFxN2AXAHOEFZIVxYFw33Bwwt49xfQugBKxh7MMhFufTaxCWaQLbn_cyArfBABnsUNxcuAtZYil_I0AYXRoPCU9By5dTW5VsHu1u4y3K3cwPtswbqH=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2_vMbgsvyCKH-caV9WgZMEALqZhPX1Cz1ydIGFbntxCWRPVCpCWWtTKHyXj14f5qqdDhVGLHFxN2AXAHOEFZIVxYFw33Bwwt49xfQugBKxh7MMhFufTaxCWaQLbn_cyArfBABnsUNxcuAtZYil_I0AYXRoPCU9By5dTW5VsHu1u4y3K3cwPtswbqH=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Zoran suggested we walk up these 200 plus steps to get a view of the city. Bill and I weren't interested in the Christmas markets so we "took a hike". For all of my blog readers who followed along on the Sicily trip, Bill avoided getting near the cat.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyl3cJlEI63zgl-ngzXL46Aboff2QQw0801UwSplEqZJr9rp24qmym63H4fU3YTMPUgXj0G2RITXDRYkhbC8wGNyUMluK_Dy5b2nWw_2VCcNF_GsLJAV6Z0yMPGNt8NMFi_YMzNCIdmYMbdM1Fr_NXoTdkgvweFnfcRlTKHsPVcBtrZEICjGsZhTDB=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyl3cJlEI63zgl-ngzXL46Aboff2QQw0801UwSplEqZJr9rp24qmym63H4fU3YTMPUgXj0G2RITXDRYkhbC8wGNyUMluK_Dy5b2nWw_2VCcNF_GsLJAV6Z0yMPGNt8NMFi_YMzNCIdmYMbdM1Fr_NXoTdkgvweFnfcRlTKHsPVcBtrZEICjGsZhTDB=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I'll post some photos from the hill we climbed. It was very warm by the time we got to the top, but worth the climb.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgJ3juA2rQKuT66zC5GTuT1lnvG_Uh1Lo2bKEvdsr22Rn1qB8bQYztTjev1-qoDQ0Dj5wb-eKC_mv6kosn1ObJS_ztlQ0CziUlU9wXMoHJ3nqrXPcxlO079dXCzlkdpDc8jf-HcGx9Q7Xjev5qnBE2GOplQ5X3pIe-roiAVmJewCSR3STc_xPEDba4=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgJ3juA2rQKuT66zC5GTuT1lnvG_Uh1Lo2bKEvdsr22Rn1qB8bQYztTjev1-qoDQ0Dj5wb-eKC_mv6kosn1ObJS_ztlQ0CziUlU9wXMoHJ3nqrXPcxlO079dXCzlkdpDc8jf-HcGx9Q7Xjev5qnBE2GOplQ5X3pIe-roiAVmJewCSR3STc_xPEDba4=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiK8kTp2LVvhI1ConCDtQq2BOPf8XvWstd1DzPDRgmtrjqr7lFX-ZHKtlvx_sKiNqMXfmBw48AG5nzx-_2iZ9Ysc1UgAYEoo4DmF65IqDdS9FTrVVVVm_woJpfiDx9FZ_wrvkQESp6vNfjXQ0K7rYFR-qaGcY-i28MrHRG7s8ZMy4BbrTUdgpkPtLoa=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiK8kTp2LVvhI1ConCDtQq2BOPf8XvWstd1DzPDRgmtrjqr7lFX-ZHKtlvx_sKiNqMXfmBw48AG5nzx-_2iZ9Ysc1UgAYEoo4DmF65IqDdS9FTrVVVVm_woJpfiDx9FZ_wrvkQESp6vNfjXQ0K7rYFR-qaGcY-i28MrHRG7s8ZMy4BbrTUdgpkPtLoa=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisY6jhWLPFlQoHrCVDr4JXi0cIap6OUXnlymZnf3190MVPqoSLLs02W9Cy0ND10-Dcq8lUedwGAAYEpLCB7R7MGLA607XZyiNq7WRj6d3-n4WYbMRMhMRdPs35g4qLVa3i_xX9knHHX1PZe-gyeGIbYvaQF4jdmRMEXor9M0Id7RXjpkp48JPUKeWF=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisY6jhWLPFlQoHrCVDr4JXi0cIap6OUXnlymZnf3190MVPqoSLLs02W9Cy0ND10-Dcq8lUedwGAAYEpLCB7R7MGLA607XZyiNq7WRj6d3-n4WYbMRMhMRdPs35g4qLVa3i_xX9knHHX1PZe-gyeGIbYvaQF4jdmRMEXor9M0Id7RXjpkp48JPUKeWF=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNVz58wtUF7ThBV1TvJIMH_K1xfBydg-R01eOT0uZSrXjkn9_ubYYGxDvEzoIYQ2HxP6qWFNC7-BxRsdIFO_sNhdaS1tpX9GiM2epvMfab2Rlc4ap6Y6SlS4tmEKFsSjx8vANab0fcgpOyKRx_M36lUw9hv7gkXP27wCvnLCFBdzPvpN1KTRFpIhMP=s5184" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNVz58wtUF7ThBV1TvJIMH_K1xfBydg-R01eOT0uZSrXjkn9_ubYYGxDvEzoIYQ2HxP6qWFNC7-BxRsdIFO_sNhdaS1tpX9GiM2epvMfab2Rlc4ap6Y6SlS4tmEKFsSjx8vANab0fcgpOyKRx_M36lUw9hv7gkXP27wCvnLCFBdzPvpN1KTRFpIhMP=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Time to find some cooler clothes, a glass of wine, and finish my book.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely........</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-74584908230354527172021-12-17T06:58:00.000-08:002021-12-17T06:58:40.651-08:00Day 5--Zadar<p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">This</span><span style="font-size: large;"> was our first breakfast on the ship. Covid restrictions have changed a lot of things. You need to take your phone with you as you have to scan all notices and menus using a QR code. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are no more buffets. They still come around with the pastry cart and service is excellent. Bill had bacon and eggs and his bacon looked good. Not like it was boiled in other European countries, but like he is used to in the States.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">The bus was waiting by the ship at 9 am and we left for a "Day in the Life". We visited a local family outside of town that raises donkeys for milk. Now I thought all of this was very strange until I learned about donkey milk. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">The first thing the family did was take us inside where a huge fireplace was burning. We all set down at the table and had a liquer that everyone drinks first thing in the morning to get them going. There were many different kinds that were all made by the family. Bill and both thought the walnut and cherry flavored ones were the best.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">The family was very nice and the 27 year old daughter spoke perfect English. She took us across the street to see the donkeys. They were all female except for one male. They seemed excited to see everyone. We could feed them some grass and pet their very thick coats.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After visiting the donkeys we walked through the olive grove down to the garden. We picked some ingredients from the garden for the lunch salad.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">The father worked his magic at the fireplace and had our lunch cooking in some kind of pots.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Someone in our group asked if they cooked with the donkey milk. The daughter said no, it was for medicinal use only and they receive $100 a liter for the milk. I learned that donkeys don't give the same volume of milk as the cows.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">The girl told us a story of a local girl who had cancer. She was going to be going through all kinds of treatments. After she drank some milk, the cancer went away. For what it's worth, none of the family has had Covid.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">The lunch was fabulous and everyone seemed to have seconds. There was veal, potatoes, salad, relish and bread--that was after having a platter of appetizers. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">As we were ready to leave the grandson came in and said the grandfather wanted us to each have a gift. They had prepared some almonds, figs, and orange slices wrapped up very nicely with a little greenery from the olive trees.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Bill and I came back to our room and crashed while some folks walked across the street to the ancient town. I didn't realize how convenient we were parked until as we were leaving town, I saw a big cruise ship. You would have had to take a taxi to the old town.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">A port talk is given everyday by Zoran before dinner. </span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Turtle Safely...... </span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-53334664353840963992021-12-16T07:44:00.000-08:002021-12-16T07:44:02.157-08:00Day 4--Zadar<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYPY3qECddSm5Q0ukbLdS9RYIZOuFCyhyzqtRmKgCvL8IbGeutSWRYVQej69L5dPnWk1nedmUywZjVVUW4KiTQyWnVGjMrobKei7x8Kyw_9gRQAgNqku17PcRybzUUB4fEQjqrzU-R3ThUnp7suh-i-llAjUTvzQyTJkDmnZ4YFKq5Oh-bDN5SIVcq=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYPY3qECddSm5Q0ukbLdS9RYIZOuFCyhyzqtRmKgCvL8IbGeutSWRYVQej69L5dPnWk1nedmUywZjVVUW4KiTQyWnVGjMrobKei7x8Kyw_9gRQAgNqku17PcRybzUUB4fEQjqrzU-R3ThUnp7suh-i-llAjUTvzQyTJkDmnZ4YFKq5Oh-bDN5SIVcq=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Day 4--Zadar</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We met in the hotel lobby at 5:45 yesterday evening and Zoran handed us a tram ticket. In Croatia they only have tram and buses for public transportation. We only went to the second stop on the tram.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Our small group went to hear a discussion on the Brain Drain. It was very interesting but only lasted a little over an hour. Croatia used to have a population of 4.6 million people. The population is now 3.6 million.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">All of the young people finish school and go to some other part of the European Union. The EU accepts their diplomas. Needless to say the birth rate/death rate is not enough to sustain the population.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">After our talk we walked to a nearby restaurant. We had traditional Croatia food--stuffed cabbage rolls, veal, potatoes and nookie. We had our choice of red or white wine. The dessert was delicious but I have forgotten what it was called.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We left Zagreb at 9 am for our drive to Zadar. It was foggy when we left, but the sun was shining when we arrived in Zadar. Zoran told us about his country in our travels. Croatia has the second highest taxes in all of Europe. It's easy to recognize something built during the communist times. We learned a lot about communism and there is no doubt in my mind that we don't want to live under that. Everyone should visit a country that has been ruled by communists. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We are on the Artemis, a 50 passenger ship with 17 passengers. We were just in time to have lunch. Bill had stuffed peppers, grilled veggies and potatoes to go with his onion soup. It was good. I declined the soup and had a chef salad. Of course, when you are in a foreign country you have to try the desserts. Mine was delecious. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">There was just enough time to grab our coats and go for a tour of Zadar. Our local guide was very knowledgeable. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBwsIOU_G6E35uyI1b0_5reaTpZVpOX3HBNKe7UQNny-T5TayDZiEr5QKExrOAto-79f67x4RXlMafDJi0z8liR3au92vCB826B35xUV0k6R_Yz9nfzbmGqaFamgY9LCDTkfhEh89y6vVcyj1Uogla5VlTOk4beTqY8QQ08JHCIIhSQCgPEdx3EYNU=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBwsIOU_G6E35uyI1b0_5reaTpZVpOX3HBNKe7UQNny-T5TayDZiEr5QKExrOAto-79f67x4RXlMafDJi0z8liR3au92vCB826B35xUV0k6R_Yz9nfzbmGqaFamgY9LCDTkfhEh89y6vVcyj1Uogla5VlTOk4beTqY8QQ08JHCIIhSQCgPEdx3EYNU=s320" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Bill loves history. Here's a column from 2,000 years ago. If you committed a crime you were tied to this from the chains. They would do this for three days and let you loose before you would die.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhayQw2iPgZa7CaJiWpEPCD_3k-fghfBC49YRZUp_4CQhboyeNjj8WoJTQcg-_FHgUuPbIvGFWm_d5YW8VVJtFyYwoZENtXQl9uNwPu1c4JOdMVXmF2gZ6XBE4eUpeONNTUOoFJsyEtTG9FRk_cOFhREjgeLHj6eIFEn1W6yolJtY2581dnUZ1dcUJF=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhayQw2iPgZa7CaJiWpEPCD_3k-fghfBC49YRZUp_4CQhboyeNjj8WoJTQcg-_FHgUuPbIvGFWm_d5YW8VVJtFyYwoZENtXQl9uNwPu1c4JOdMVXmF2gZ6XBE4eUpeONNTUOoFJsyEtTG9FRk_cOFhREjgeLHj6eIFEn1W6yolJtY2581dnUZ1dcUJF=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Here's how tall that column is.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyjIgZOpCykMGlQAlEqILxWGOqTvp8ZPVP5J80t4XxbZLy9d0ocvwUuwWtj3_Pi4rKUD7rXUIFvK9Peb7FN0GB2UCJ0DNh9OrU1MiFwaCq9v7MRJcT9xsDGGwwlY1MdSgHBTKl-EPdIVpHj1TQorR2YnFDZsmh4GqRk1lZOiN2FIvzptUyWXPPMLng=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyjIgZOpCykMGlQAlEqILxWGOqTvp8ZPVP5J80t4XxbZLy9d0ocvwUuwWtj3_Pi4rKUD7rXUIFvK9Peb7FN0GB2UCJ0DNh9OrU1MiFwaCq9v7MRJcT9xsDGGwwlY1MdSgHBTKl-EPdIVpHj1TQorR2YnFDZsmh4GqRk1lZOiN2FIvzptUyWXPPMLng=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Here's a photo of Zoran's parents. Zoran is 42 and not married.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMYFsx792xklCW8J9shIUxYUQScxWAEr3i2GAb2EmhmxQV2Q1Zzf3Ez71eN4Hnhijoj49apDJthyQoF6ZNt6cJ38vxHPBWdEVfYccyapI7EO9nmEvmSiThBt5nmKjk1rJ4hMi_KReAPk7PvHT0BOzhQZNl8Vo7XkbygfwnTYx1tyqoVS5-z_omFF69=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMYFsx792xklCW8J9shIUxYUQScxWAEr3i2GAb2EmhmxQV2Q1Zzf3Ez71eN4Hnhijoj49apDJthyQoF6ZNt6cJ38vxHPBWdEVfYccyapI7EO9nmEvmSiThBt5nmKjk1rJ4hMi_KReAPk7PvHT0BOzhQZNl8Vo7XkbygfwnTYx1tyqoVS5-z_omFF69=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We actually walked on an ancient Roman part of the road.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggHpNkd8Bz_-LClEUZl9Bq_tPDDMKNvAUf2l_ecNtYhFXNxE_Z4mV4ILMuYydFUzx96zTBRhN0O_orLjf876DDmsH3y3pJWUa6-28QXl7WZ_iraDRap87nX8NMRiZbWXdl2BDOjo9GukiusT1D189euFZatR9EgAHvf_ci_bbgplJbTqYGlYdoreAI=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggHpNkd8Bz_-LClEUZl9Bq_tPDDMKNvAUf2l_ecNtYhFXNxE_Z4mV4ILMuYydFUzx96zTBRhN0O_orLjf876DDmsH3y3pJWUa6-28QXl7WZ_iraDRap87nX8NMRiZbWXdl2BDOjo9GukiusT1D189euFZatR9EgAHvf_ci_bbgplJbTqYGlYdoreAI=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Our local tour guide told us about the cherry alcoholic drink that the area is famous for. It is 32% proof!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipJI0S-qUCr33QO40gJFElRSHp0i5FRx3BIoA2zZw7-Twx2dw9CSJdSHIzc-le4tutP5WYyilyRV0HY3tmUEJ1ZUleKHxXUK63jR6a1Ukvs4ZyP-gU9V8mZaYqZpTrO_mAzm9Hic532fSUijdDl9M2JMButI9ZE9QXbO3WrVomcPIqzMwkX7FgyO69=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipJI0S-qUCr33QO40gJFElRSHp0i5FRx3BIoA2zZw7-Twx2dw9CSJdSHIzc-le4tutP5WYyilyRV0HY3tmUEJ1ZUleKHxXUK63jR6a1Ukvs4ZyP-gU9V8mZaYqZpTrO_mAzm9Hic532fSUijdDl9M2JMButI9ZE9QXbO3WrVomcPIqzMwkX7FgyO69=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Our ship is docked right in front of the city gates, so everthing is within walking distance. Our local guide wanted us to see the sun set but I thought we were too late.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4fgOvS6gFs5mUGYMQWEvUrCi2QYzbJUkCPmk7ojdvcVqaT2ZY2gfSliNwFTEVUyDyEaddpWrvRz2Zj1Fhn54wF9Lt4owuQC_t831mIocrQUn7SSOO3kB1Fm6BXpw1ViUqBPWHUYSj56_n1YBPALOen2IoyezMEKYqpjvKG_CI5dTrES2Q72lM-L61=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4fgOvS6gFs5mUGYMQWEvUrCi2QYzbJUkCPmk7ojdvcVqaT2ZY2gfSliNwFTEVUyDyEaddpWrvRz2Zj1Fhn54wF9Lt4owuQC_t831mIocrQUn7SSOO3kB1Fm6BXpw1ViUqBPWHUYSj56_n1YBPALOen2IoyezMEKYqpjvKG_CI5dTrES2Q72lM-L61=s320" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Then she talked about the sea organ. I thought she was talking about a fish. It seems that Zadar has won many awards for its sea organ.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJtDs4fvmqfdUdERD90LqTBnbmG7shZRPDbT3_yS3JuQ9juIo3zBHDdCr9cmVNWSwibhVMl7s39lc1JhX2nTGB5hdBewU5rH53ZtyFhpVUBwEjxQRqYd4Bvx4vfwsq-8cz30Pv26pGt06pSOH3XyWEHee3tjfb8ghFWfHJPI4XDEuC3x1XfiG08y56=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJtDs4fvmqfdUdERD90LqTBnbmG7shZRPDbT3_yS3JuQ9juIo3zBHDdCr9cmVNWSwibhVMl7s39lc1JhX2nTGB5hdBewU5rH53ZtyFhpVUBwEjxQRqYd4Bvx4vfwsq-8cz30Pv26pGt06pSOH3XyWEHee3tjfb8ghFWfHJPI4XDEuC3x1XfiG08y56=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">She showed us where the pipes for the organ were in the sidewalk. I think she said 70 pipes were there.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxQbCYR36GjHiuO-lUTK4o3OASTz6wy1UE9nrfSCZwHKdQI32AXtPE--b6id3MynhdMdQjGISQzPKxB5ocxMeOJkz7ALOBHYm5zeCK1G4Mtlf94h5on9JS7LGahjw2nUeYrZlXtiQeEY7vDHTkD3gwKaMcxiIg8zlcYmBslG8nB_JOo2Uy8X9vm_9O=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxQbCYR36GjHiuO-lUTK4o3OASTz6wy1UE9nrfSCZwHKdQI32AXtPE--b6id3MynhdMdQjGISQzPKxB5ocxMeOJkz7ALOBHYm5zeCK1G4Mtlf94h5on9JS7LGahjw2nUeYrZlXtiQeEY7vDHTkD3gwKaMcxiIg8zlcYmBslG8nB_JOo2Uy8X9vm_9O=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">She was excited when a ship went by, because it changes the sounds of the organ.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">There's a row of seats to look at the sea and they are painted to match a piano. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I was really unique and sounded wonderfully. There also are some solar panels that started to light up that blinked with the sound of the sea organ. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We scurried back to the ship as happy hour was about to start. The Captain introduced the ships company which I think might have been larger than the 17 passengers. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Dinner was excellent but by the time everyone left the table it was after 9 pm. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Our room is on the 3rd floor and has a narrow balcony. Two chairs and a table are all that fit on it. The next floor (last) is the sun deck. Below our room is the lounge, reception and the dining room. You enter the ship on this floor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely.......</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-14417794410539055272021-12-14T08:34:00.000-08:002021-12-14T08:34:16.177-08:00Day 3--Zagreb, Croatia<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtQj1UWKMnvOep35bIjgPBCTjb6ACnHi3Fzp2J1-oP0EIZC04INibdM1k9ZerH4xd_-YwJFcMI_MuYI5G36kkxgGUcUzF7Adsh2h9ZmlBHNs1DyLO-jY2Y5DuEG5ok9LrlR_buSDIncCc8JZUF_3Eh9puXswMDqrfEJ0cDkEwLo6c4SPMMhEXH9Xc6=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtQj1UWKMnvOep35bIjgPBCTjb6ACnHi3Fzp2J1-oP0EIZC04INibdM1k9ZerH4xd_-YwJFcMI_MuYI5G36kkxgGUcUzF7Adsh2h9ZmlBHNs1DyLO-jY2Y5DuEG5ok9LrlR_buSDIncCc8JZUF_3Eh9puXswMDqrfEJ0cDkEwLo6c4SPMMhEXH9Xc6=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I was so tired when I was trying to do last night's blog that I forgot two interesting things about our flights yesterday and the day before. First thing was about five minutes before boarding the airlplane for Denver the pilot came out and picked up the microphone. He asked how many people were going to Denver. He then stated that we were all on the same team. He made some jokes about flying and how thankful he was that we were flying United beause he could put food on the table for his family. Then he commented about how much food his family ate. All the time making the speech humorous. He then mentioned the masks and also said to be kind. I've never had a captain take the time to come out and smile at everyone and say a few words. It's a shame all the airlines don't do this.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The second thing that happened was when we were on the bus that took us from the plane to Frankfurt terminal. These are the double buses that have kind of an accordian like center piece that joins the two buses and allows on bus to turn. Everyone is standing. All of sudden the bus went around the corner and my left foot followed while my right foot was stationery. I looked down and there's a round moving flooring in the accoridan part of the bus. One foot was on it and the other foot was the stationery part. At least the yoga helped because I didn't lose my balance and stayed upright. Thank you, Jackie.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Bill was up at 3 am but I had no problem with the jet lag and slept until 6 am. The breakfast was very nice. I always enjoy the fruits when we are in a foreign country. Of course, even the eggs taste better than they do in the states.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGj-_d07nffJEbhzvSK2jhADPEHFsb1qsi7xth41IKIWDSwdhqC3n0RgBkl-rFv0p_CCYKTrwa19yLRrswPEtIIhYfb3ZXnRNYZ72yNnulWEleqZ_sNjXSjS23ARkaFQ8p773acII7GnIeuQNzSNJ94duuuZclLZuQM4dItcg_htDPNffBhLYoNOm2=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGj-_d07nffJEbhzvSK2jhADPEHFsb1qsi7xth41IKIWDSwdhqC3n0RgBkl-rFv0p_CCYKTrwa19yLRrswPEtIIhYfb3ZXnRNYZ72yNnulWEleqZ_sNjXSjS23ARkaFQ8p773acII7GnIeuQNzSNJ94duuuZclLZuQM4dItcg_htDPNffBhLYoNOm2=s320" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">At 9 am we met our fellow travelers. There are 15 others. I have a sister named Dale, so I was surprised to find out that there are two women named Dale in this small group.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Simone was our local guide who also escorted us to the hotel yesterday. She was awesome.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A few years ago, Nick and Nikki and kids took us to the incline in Pittsburgh. One of those places that is so near when you live in the area and never do. I thought of them today when we took this incline. It is all of 200 feet and takes 55 seconds to travel from the bottom to the top. Needless to say it has set records for the shortest and quickest ride around the world.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNl7mTm3v3A-woOOMlJDPXrmGTSzUT_rH_2Hf3Z0zI2kWM0i9tiWmwJ13U9rDUaPPBg2eGxAxqHjspjlJ19ay-HM_8F1tTI32xCF-gqdh4yp9tugLDs19M400nb2CSjYvj-Ruo7D5Tiv4Qo7sb7Gib7Vl7lEIVcvEqpbc3cXkpFFavDJYYVXcDShTQ=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNl7mTm3v3A-woOOMlJDPXrmGTSzUT_rH_2Hf3Z0zI2kWM0i9tiWmwJ13U9rDUaPPBg2eGxAxqHjspjlJ19ay-HM_8F1tTI32xCF-gqdh4yp9tugLDs19M400nb2CSjYvj-Ruo7D5Tiv4Qo7sb7Gib7Vl7lEIVcvEqpbc3cXkpFFavDJYYVXcDShTQ=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here's our small group experiencing the 55 second ride. Voran bought the tickets so I don't know what it cost in US dollars.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWISWAL3FZom4vPVPtPUrIMlTBW4F3Hh0LPzL7Xqxi8fW2pUOyN0zVJofg5lbuv-Vq_wW_ZiI0YA3HBQrqsw1_IAovRofiBfOMlQR0Njm8tgIOYCuT9gyPUMz_MXokfECsu2y_glZ4gNq4IzrQmQQdPsBuxAXAlur3WjGgs23Ec6FYN8dLdK9i9aY4=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWISWAL3FZom4vPVPtPUrIMlTBW4F3Hh0LPzL7Xqxi8fW2pUOyN0zVJofg5lbuv-Vq_wW_ZiI0YA3HBQrqsw1_IAovRofiBfOMlQR0Njm8tgIOYCuT9gyPUMz_MXokfECsu2y_glZ4gNq4IzrQmQQdPsBuxAXAlur3WjGgs23Ec6FYN8dLdK9i9aY4=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It was fun and the views of the city were terrific. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBimzwqppyVUg9WudVKjRnKMCF6IqFyJp5vYb9b02hsTNZ7miZwlIs9QQcUo2G-XWcE7-D1bIM037wPzACDvTgzwK0crJoRlkJZHN4KpiYf1GUzZujG4GiATt8-cZHWftAhy4Bc15TJSLwk31J3V6F-gk2eisHH9lgf_-8J655udpVyo-gjfc-eQ7p=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBimzwqppyVUg9WudVKjRnKMCF6IqFyJp5vYb9b02hsTNZ7miZwlIs9QQcUo2G-XWcE7-D1bIM037wPzACDvTgzwK0crJoRlkJZHN4KpiYf1GUzZujG4GiATt8-cZHWftAhy4Bc15TJSLwk31J3V6F-gk2eisHH9lgf_-8J655udpVyo-gjfc-eQ7p=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Many Europeans smoke but look how neatly they put there cigarette butts in the crack on the wall.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqzw7P3DfHzPjXNIoabWm5YcyoGuC_hPWI7MKQv4FmbZ-k6ZGWqk7RfopWMEnBFWn0fosJRnjlIrcSVSx3GM3zcWYo6MICvyxapY-zctg4NJNbzSxAhv8Hvm_9VhN_ZGXLjF9m_EpAaxfVK7l5ZTI9Ws9sY3A78pdBalOEUT1SYqo2ClgBlw372vzz=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqzw7P3DfHzPjXNIoabWm5YcyoGuC_hPWI7MKQv4FmbZ-k6ZGWqk7RfopWMEnBFWn0fosJRnjlIrcSVSx3GM3zcWYo6MICvyxapY-zctg4NJNbzSxAhv8Hvm_9VhN_ZGXLjF9m_EpAaxfVK7l5ZTI9Ws9sY3A78pdBalOEUT1SYqo2ClgBlw372vzz=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">There was a bell in the top that would ring warning everyone that it was time for the city gate to close. When the city gate was torn down, they replaced the bell with a canon and the canon would go off everyday letting the people know that it was noon. If you look closely you can see the canon in this photo.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Simone told us so many interesting stories about the city. I'm trying not to tell you everything in case you decide to visit this area. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg533s-UFSkDex8J03hUnwZjOXu9UYFmS40UPmVeGklOSNSxRGSO69jW-tG5xSQkhpbZCvz0b1nJQshfP1Vb7aiWO6qPeK_98TWD9RB5ibw2oajxiT1l77HkCKxVKD4mR2jALPieWLJ9CipIE8Fe85wpJ9S2FCS4wIV23O1uJR_kfP_B4OvoFz5jccV=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg533s-UFSkDex8J03hUnwZjOXu9UYFmS40UPmVeGklOSNSxRGSO69jW-tG5xSQkhpbZCvz0b1nJQshfP1Vb7aiWO6qPeK_98TWD9RB5ibw2oajxiT1l77HkCKxVKD4mR2jALPieWLJ9CipIE8Fe85wpJ9S2FCS4wIV23O1uJR_kfP_B4OvoFz5jccV=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Here's the builing where parliment meets.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx8cXnNSRYWKKnUmPtUBIQxdhUf-h09imbuIxpQjKVs2LNtdXsIIeQ1kzTmA7cZG48UPPwsjraoG7mieBRBvSUCf5O3JZzPK4O01uZo_cTgQTXHvWCdkpNN05ex1SpdQmoH4h84H40KnyftQvskeI-Q87x0Rtq8c2NbF7sQsxJSQPHHbh0_RaetRrm=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx8cXnNSRYWKKnUmPtUBIQxdhUf-h09imbuIxpQjKVs2LNtdXsIIeQ1kzTmA7cZG48UPPwsjraoG7mieBRBvSUCf5O3JZzPK4O01uZo_cTgQTXHvWCdkpNN05ex1SpdQmoH4h84H40KnyftQvskeI-Q87x0Rtq8c2NbF7sQsxJSQPHHbh0_RaetRrm=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Directly opposite of it is the building where the prime minister has his office.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9YfzUKBDRX371m7cWjc5vjEJlQHGT-OXFW5ZJAXLWweHYkFz_eoYxaaZGhoHPViyalpDThp1aSYfctlYFfn997PgPgtqdIzN0F_047y0iUfQXVDR5ftTLygeUol3AHvOA0POufRE7U6URpQ0hGl78nPeGiY3Ho9OqZGCQtj1tYT-_6UYUwV8ZWoyJ=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9YfzUKBDRX371m7cWjc5vjEJlQHGT-OXFW5ZJAXLWweHYkFz_eoYxaaZGhoHPViyalpDThp1aSYfctlYFfn997PgPgtqdIzN0F_047y0iUfQXVDR5ftTLygeUol3AHvOA0POufRE7U6URpQ0hGl78nPeGiY3Ho9OqZGCQtj1tYT-_6UYUwV8ZWoyJ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Did I mention the 5.5 earthquake that Zagreb had two years ago. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRC96fRQx7dKbSX50uqh9xZik5roB50WOz1O7Pq6fm3vlLdvtAjUHzmJ2WcT2IxBxduZ4J7DCPLnLO2CG62nE5PPAaPDymbVuBtbF1Zo2hb_RFJb36FnsA_71h7uvP--eYYHrlgNIq0PudGuds6T40cWG-xz8IBxOe7onK_VYogPU3qkhMZ8DG7_lZ=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRC96fRQx7dKbSX50uqh9xZik5roB50WOz1O7Pq6fm3vlLdvtAjUHzmJ2WcT2IxBxduZ4J7DCPLnLO2CG62nE5PPAaPDymbVuBtbF1Zo2hb_RFJb36FnsA_71h7uvP--eYYHrlgNIq0PudGuds6T40cWG-xz8IBxOe7onK_VYogPU3qkhMZ8DG7_lZ=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">This one had the roof replaced with glazed tiles. It was very colorful but at the moment of the photo it was cloudy.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitFFm2TQkbq6SJBpyJ277QqFAJFK7VNnQgqZ_KAoFCnnEbeTPv5rV8ACWdQWoQsJ2NSxCgP36ZXa6kFgzYNxRavhp3VXl_5nAtnBQohUZDho-Fqa5JLJ6syXS99Aj-H52ToQe5YfA0K0LICNCqxE21ccVKlukW6DRbITesrUMxDe5y3q87F5rLa210=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitFFm2TQkbq6SJBpyJ277QqFAJFK7VNnQgqZ_KAoFCnnEbeTPv5rV8ACWdQWoQsJ2NSxCgP36ZXa6kFgzYNxRavhp3VXl_5nAtnBQohUZDho-Fqa5JLJ6syXS99Aj-H52ToQe5YfA0K0LICNCqxE21ccVKlukW6DRbITesrUMxDe5y3q87F5rLa210=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The gas lights are hard to see but there are 248 of these in the city. A man goes by every night and lights them and then comes back in the morning to put them out. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrjwRGVQXTu-SiaFD3Kkb8e16GDMYGuusvtT1pwAdBstg8nG6WEVtw2GxuSkZX6YEK11ZIFLblRUlgewmOg3o0Tpk4CL1kyytR0lnZWGAkrH-Cuo8IAxfBwKAC6PaCSFqnnLZBCjyuvOrfj1NWpfv1wdsu-xdy1ukWCqebfuK55n7lIt0patgRz8hZ=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrjwRGVQXTu-SiaFD3Kkb8e16GDMYGuusvtT1pwAdBstg8nG6WEVtw2GxuSkZX6YEK11ZIFLblRUlgewmOg3o0Tpk4CL1kyytR0lnZWGAkrH-Cuo8IAxfBwKAC6PaCSFqnnLZBCjyuvOrfj1NWpfv1wdsu-xdy1ukWCqebfuK55n7lIt0patgRz8hZ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Simone is telling us a legend outside the only remaining city gate.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisHRcDlJSRwasbSWu7EsXJ9vQ2GzyNoInQh4dsgpPazBDtj7ColPmEG51Tcm_l_RKMw8Y7wJXFIeU--ekUXax4p0ZE4a4vADax_o3yjE3enChS9IVmw7h2m6OdLfAC2JVRqu7JFkcSuCW-E9yyOuNDp_aWrKPBsblBW0O0bcffYsr53l7tihlJvnM3=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisHRcDlJSRwasbSWu7EsXJ9vQ2GzyNoInQh4dsgpPazBDtj7ColPmEG51Tcm_l_RKMw8Y7wJXFIeU--ekUXax4p0ZE4a4vADax_o3yjE3enChS9IVmw7h2m6OdLfAC2JVRqu7JFkcSuCW-E9yyOuNDp_aWrKPBsblBW0O0bcffYsr53l7tihlJvnM3=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">According to the legend, the apartment above the gate caught fire but the photo of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus was the only thing that didn't burn. It was considered a miracle. They made it into a shrine and many people make a pilgramage to come and pray for someone. Bill and I said a prayer for one of our loved ones. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAtECuL4OJSAKEQfEw2d7kWODQIjm98_6YjPLCAhoJQJsg0om6yK9l0YxgynFuaF_5ChJRV1E-VN04tdUA1KMD4EDUozrVLnkO9RhGeG_yI1kPlpRbA52HGfWHzfiskIoQL5I2U2_fKAtF6dgZ4oAmYYMKQr3Vc2z5_6WwmlChF5A8CbSSw1nLMhIR=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAtECuL4OJSAKEQfEw2d7kWODQIjm98_6YjPLCAhoJQJsg0om6yK9l0YxgynFuaF_5ChJRV1E-VN04tdUA1KMD4EDUozrVLnkO9RhGeG_yI1kPlpRbA52HGfWHzfiskIoQL5I2U2_fKAtF6dgZ4oAmYYMKQr3Vc2z5_6WwmlChF5A8CbSSw1nLMhIR=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Here's a statue of Saint George. I think the dragon at the base of the statue looks more like a crab than a dragon.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6FoaBaf-bd5i_CzKN3oq9S3enGP6uhdy7kPG5_mWkIDljvM3Q5PH0oz0mVo_wQymCENUVO4-ixaPILZ3G4cnAx_40O4LGxNCj6VuLfVt4M3m8fIZnBA0bMqyoXHSmYge67iMRvmC5iSYpgo8hWFICZohaDGMyBHVAECPJXaat_7U265IQeBiu9GuF=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6FoaBaf-bd5i_CzKN3oq9S3enGP6uhdy7kPG5_mWkIDljvM3Q5PH0oz0mVo_wQymCENUVO4-ixaPILZ3G4cnAx_40O4LGxNCj6VuLfVt4M3m8fIZnBA0bMqyoXHSmYge67iMRvmC5iSYpgo8hWFICZohaDGMyBHVAECPJXaat_7U265IQeBiu9GuF=s320" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Croatia is also where the tie was invented. No comments from any men, just reporting the facts.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRQyj5IfFzxbHXa5BAm9CnFXvs_LotvAvnORhDKVr6ShaCBHylvm8JDILKlnEPFrT8LLoiCwh-oCAN_QAlHaLZLcukp8Ivc7sy7Ix-5HbXxUdmJtEAscIVLK30f8ZX9SHK-yaPspE-s20InMIzro_eU1VlwMYS1gV8fwBFAE-1s6TtvWy67Vi0BQZy=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><p><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFnLROZ52FHst-ajU4k0DTLmUBBZZwwnxZk7mjCkdlpARv1XbK0EohKKBd_bkpRKav9ZUtTlt5vu_B-9hR5slTKBwy7IV1x5kumkR_E9--JaBe3VrhHHz9DewaBOWDy8Y0U9e5vb0ATpwBvRJdcfwHYJpFmSXXcVnBxHXUpG9bJkEzDDfyQ-BWpHbR=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFnLROZ52FHst-ajU4k0DTLmUBBZZwwnxZk7mjCkdlpARv1XbK0EohKKBd_bkpRKav9ZUtTlt5vu_B-9hR5slTKBwy7IV1x5kumkR_E9--JaBe3VrhHHz9DewaBOWDy8Y0U9e5vb0ATpwBvRJdcfwHYJpFmSXXcVnBxHXUpG9bJkEzDDfyQ-BWpHbR=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">It sprinkled a little, not enough to get you wet at the Farmer's Market. There are three floors of the market. The floor below this is the fish market and then below that it is the flower market. Open everyday--rain, sunshine, snow or earthquake.</span><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ0RVMevU6ZjUePMdyAMW95xdZneK2f3UVAX1ih0pTtGCTGxfGeICiRQk787sMVgfWQWChLxhoVnQ9MxGvJZSmKrkMtiJzBG0kp30Doa0EuCdO9u-Bye8hGSFbxoyKA9CLKHSBsqSxFwHeJdcS233DWKVgJimMpMALrKfwUixOkM98D3r5O2IaYtlh=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ0RVMevU6ZjUePMdyAMW95xdZneK2f3UVAX1ih0pTtGCTGxfGeICiRQk787sMVgfWQWChLxhoVnQ9MxGvJZSmKrkMtiJzBG0kp30Doa0EuCdO9u-Bye8hGSFbxoyKA9CLKHSBsqSxFwHeJdcS233DWKVgJimMpMALrKfwUixOkM98D3r5O2IaYtlh=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">This is Saint Marks Catherdral. It is closed as they renovate it from the earthquake.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDabZ0-mjwuUAuftgDChybhwJmfm6JJKnWdfPxQ_ezP3NLV9Ez_AhDJ0ko5F1RS27etk-h9AwnB4gv548XUzFV4ZUq2xrruuAxGwQEstLGvZzfB5_BBNcdsfbEK-qmbQHREnYfz40F1mZvt0TNNtE1okU7044oYX0Dx1PqKf97w9JyTqtuvDvs_9D7=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDabZ0-mjwuUAuftgDChybhwJmfm6JJKnWdfPxQ_ezP3NLV9Ez_AhDJ0ko5F1RS27etk-h9AwnB4gv548XUzFV4ZUq2xrruuAxGwQEstLGvZzfB5_BBNcdsfbEK-qmbQHREnYfz40F1mZvt0TNNtE1okU7044oYX0Dx1PqKf97w9JyTqtuvDvs_9D7=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Simone spent some time showing us where we walked in the city. No wonder my feet were tired after 2 and half hours. It's a very comfortable city and the people are so friendly.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE1OYXoHCGtDU8KCznT4wIsBqc9VFc-XMwdXCMyqhsso9p8kJioXZqgHzHZzGUb8w3Aux10qcs1o-cye6Ap-cREYDsucFoteDoyBGCWBGZoW-Z0cTHTskPg5KE5tJHdgytU4NH8qBpbQKWOMrx7GJZYBWaAWlJM8Pg1S_0Kql9brOZuhMxqNUjf8zB=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE1OYXoHCGtDU8KCznT4wIsBqc9VFc-XMwdXCMyqhsso9p8kJioXZqgHzHZzGUb8w3Aux10qcs1o-cye6Ap-cREYDsucFoteDoyBGCWBGZoW-Z0cTHTskPg5KE5tJHdgytU4NH8qBpbQKWOMrx7GJZYBWaAWlJM8Pg1S_0Kql9brOZuhMxqNUjf8zB=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Bill and stopped at a Christmas market for some hot wine and decided to have a sausage to go with the wine.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBOwsw1ztlsw9u3bhtVonJ7RWaD6n0kn3rw5DDVChwfMWjTIt7OIheculDVvk_EDCz8R-PmZuPnUGYAGbVwMWJIfJnWs-lQ443ZiyM-tmeH1BxMJ5yhT39lt3F39hjBo0NUU55uaROX838K49s_s5bOlL28p2i--nqmOuZBo6YHwVqjEJyoompxUSc=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBOwsw1ztlsw9u3bhtVonJ7RWaD6n0kn3rw5DDVChwfMWjTIt7OIheculDVvk_EDCz8R-PmZuPnUGYAGbVwMWJIfJnWs-lQ443ZiyM-tmeH1BxMJ5yhT39lt3F39hjBo0NUU55uaROX838K49s_s5bOlL28p2i--nqmOuZBo6YHwVqjEJyoompxUSc=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">For someone who said he wasn't hungry, he did a good job of eating the sandwich.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHwkKRD7FFIscViZ8RQTXiXqkn5_xGm3pzMNdBUMDSE9wkJCVkaQ1eyJCMv3jf9jRrCtO8CKa5FQlWbY6pFN8o68AcCFCqOScVMdTtWkOODqwRdXygr7k6IAS51V1TVA4OoA88pQmlQL2AswtBp1ZoRD8estccNPy4pyodXgTJz9FopZ5iY1x9RLT-=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHwkKRD7FFIscViZ8RQTXiXqkn5_xGm3pzMNdBUMDSE9wkJCVkaQ1eyJCMv3jf9jRrCtO8CKa5FQlWbY6pFN8o68AcCFCqOScVMdTtWkOODqwRdXygr7k6IAS51V1TVA4OoA88pQmlQL2AswtBp1ZoRD8estccNPy4pyodXgTJz9FopZ5iY1x9RLT-=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Here's a photo of our hotel--Hotel Dubrovnic.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfHP1MG7SItO7pJMU3E0lXpjNwbR3uTyXw1fK_cTs2KYdRyJ23yWVi-e7cQG1R5wgfkblGEjIAoVgmIMpPZ-Wa8fR72u_Okcd82xhCQFk6nVqV6KmyPM6AowCMpM1Ds7tfVOFnag4IcJtpZLk_JZ0wdutwlRpXKXoA2qBTL_XDpo7pKkIxvqAWQ41p=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfHP1MG7SItO7pJMU3E0lXpjNwbR3uTyXw1fK_cTs2KYdRyJ23yWVi-e7cQG1R5wgfkblGEjIAoVgmIMpPZ-Wa8fR72u_Okcd82xhCQFk6nVqV6KmyPM6AowCMpM1Ds7tfVOFnag4IcJtpZLk_JZ0wdutwlRpXKXoA2qBTL_XDpo7pKkIxvqAWQ41p=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I always buy a Christmas ornament symbolic of the country. Simone told us the story of the heart with the mirror. It is protected by UNESCO. It's perfect for our "Travels" tree.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdTV4ARiN5JLdnpbqCOaZaUVAqvfQ3diNiDnj34A5GK8qEL1Amif4_svCxbRc_MWMrMEaFoDlc1AdiQmuKzOgzDUJAIJBOxSGjlJRtGYgtksm2k0Tdlngn4x5aMwFNutzpzqr_-RkGdAViDNo6UuF2J25CqKUT-G935qLisn1QhP1oIfa6GYCof8T8=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdTV4ARiN5JLdnpbqCOaZaUVAqvfQ3diNiDnj34A5GK8qEL1Amif4_svCxbRc_MWMrMEaFoDlc1AdiQmuKzOgzDUJAIJBOxSGjlJRtGYgtksm2k0Tdlngn4x5aMwFNutzpzqr_-RkGdAViDNo6UuF2J25CqKUT-G935qLisn1QhP1oIfa6GYCof8T8=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Bill also thought I might need a hat. I have ear muffs with me, but have hearing aids and also the earpiece for the "whispers" which gets to be too much on the ears. I guess I wasn't thinking when I left my New Zealand hat at home. </span><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-14486136570378033592021-12-13T12:20:00.001-08:002021-12-13T12:20:44.259-08:00Up, up and away to Zagreb, Croatia<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg77He_ttwlofkoG-cABF9LTFYYKz2jbRR4EytwSIvOouXGPl28FqOok-uvoy0iZ7eEvDJSF0k9RPfq_kMaBwBFNtPBTnrYGrQ_3uRjjbldjtw4_o6vIXjId6SGalYpuAP7Ct39BjsPiEorBAlxFqo8z6cTUF9Kzt8XnPRX-zTS9M-mgrz08Nhyc2bn=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg77He_ttwlofkoG-cABF9LTFYYKz2jbRR4EytwSIvOouXGPl28FqOok-uvoy0iZ7eEvDJSF0k9RPfq_kMaBwBFNtPBTnrYGrQ_3uRjjbldjtw4_o6vIXjId6SGalYpuAP7Ct39BjsPiEorBAlxFqo8z6cTUF9Kzt8XnPRX-zTS9M-mgrz08Nhyc2bn=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Yesterday, Saturday, was an early day, as we headed to the airport a little after 6 am. We thought the parking and the airport would have been packed. I can't remember the last time I saw so many empty parking spaces at the parking garage. We were lucky to find one right by the elevator. Even better the shuttle was waiting for us when we got off the elevator. There was a big traffic jam where the Southwest Airlines passengers were getting out but terminal three didn't have another vehicle by the curb. No one was at the United kiosk. We figured all the people must be at the TSA . No one was in line for the Global entry and the TSA agent who checked our passports had time to chat with Bill about where he lived in West Virginia. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We flew to Denver right on time. I wanted three hours between flights when OAT booked our flights. We're getting too old to dash from gate to gate. It gave us a chance to grab a light lunch from a pick of fast food resturants. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Once we boarded our next flight to Frankfurt we were very pleased to find out I had a window seat and then an empty seat and then an aisle seat for Bill. Once we were on the plane it didn't take off for another hour. Unfortunately for some, but since we had another 3 hour wait once we arrived in Frankfurt we didn't mind. It turns out they were waiting for more meals from the caterer and then the caterer broke down. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I must say Denver airport could stand to spend some money for new seats. The covers were all worn and when someone sat on one end you felt like you were on a see saw.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Of course that late departure meant that there was no gate so we had a "remote gate" and had to bused back to the terminal at Frankfurt, Germany. Once again, no problem, we had another three hour wait. While we were waiting I noticed a couple that had OAT luggage tags. They are on our tour and from Portland, Oregon. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We had to be bused out to our plane for Zagreb and once again climb the stairs with our carry on In less than 30 minutes we had left the plane, gone through customs and retrieved our luggage. An OAT local guide met us and took us to the van for a short drive to our hotel. Our hotel is very conveniently located in the center of town. The Christmas markets are all set up in the square. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Zoran was doing a walk around the area to show us where we could exchange money, find a pharmacy, market and restaurants at 4 which gave us 20 minutes to go to our room and get a jacket and brush our teeth.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">There were 5 of us that took this tour. The others were either on a pre-trip or arrived earlier in the day.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRgYlSjvt5zLQiVXhEnl09lbSBavADDEuc2XJhBttgISruvgh52nUDBxrGWbGtV3v2G4eCfjXEpxo6obTwMFQ22qKNqatLpO56mjaQ6F4I7f8PD-NUK0uc_fQWVMmgez0RnR3P4i1aI9U6pjynHSV9v5pYyhYQau3Euepu0hm0Xj6njSn3fQcziVms=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRgYlSjvt5zLQiVXhEnl09lbSBavADDEuc2XJhBttgISruvgh52nUDBxrGWbGtV3v2G4eCfjXEpxo6obTwMFQ22qKNqatLpO56mjaQ6F4I7f8PD-NUK0uc_fQWVMmgez0RnR3P4i1aI9U6pjynHSV9v5pYyhYQau3Euepu0hm0Xj6njSn3fQcziVms=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Here's a picture of near the hotel. Notice that they are getting the New Year's Eve decorations up.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgovby7D5OccjlExgLPtMMqBdf6e-xBQz7lc8Wl9z_N_9XVIVXbjMXwG1udjZBUWZUgcAFkhLII03C5LGVel2lQXxQ6HxkpjQpURjM_AJiY0AfYbNvnad6mJZrqJJFKafQTESaT8nkBZE2TN-bTU6LlSjoAxjvM85n_NHqodIKdWaV5JPOW1-6OU6iA=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgovby7D5OccjlExgLPtMMqBdf6e-xBQz7lc8Wl9z_N_9XVIVXbjMXwG1udjZBUWZUgcAFkhLII03C5LGVel2lQXxQ6HxkpjQpURjM_AJiY0AfYbNvnad6mJZrqJJFKafQTESaT8nkBZE2TN-bTU6LlSjoAxjvM85n_NHqodIKdWaV5JPOW1-6OU6iA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">They lights didn't show up very well in this photo of the park.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuRiRoorgCUGiQBV058Znr-5IrBG4rxtz4QKGY6tcHBo-zNaUyncK2R_ChVHjDYM3rBzuC5Mzfy-kQZ8IbnfjB69ZATweTvVT3cshIa03gTDzseX7OkRmr3I6sXkaE8jDq5i989sZDz6W8pv5M939uzQTurA32aPyLxwDKgs7MpDTGy5Pnrj4ULHTZ=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuRiRoorgCUGiQBV058Znr-5IrBG4rxtz4QKGY6tcHBo-zNaUyncK2R_ChVHjDYM3rBzuC5Mzfy-kQZ8IbnfjB69ZATweTvVT3cshIa03gTDzseX7OkRmr3I6sXkaE8jDq5i989sZDz6W8pv5M939uzQTurA32aPyLxwDKgs7MpDTGy5Pnrj4ULHTZ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We're going to hear more about Tesla in the coming days, but here's a photo of his statue.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK8yOSYJV_V_BL0veIXnGiqgvhAozWV_nw0XvaDcE8fbwycBPYPIJPB5NnreyWLEDdxK0l8tEbSXuMkfOjE3yh3rxL1OEIIdchXXM9_ZGvVSbCELRF0KRXnu4YsRW_Bb3pKysv7Eh9yAw4F4XT4nHKEHIcX35tZ0U0_kr8FMF5IkLhrJuM2L6U3J3t=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK8yOSYJV_V_BL0veIXnGiqgvhAozWV_nw0XvaDcE8fbwycBPYPIJPB5NnreyWLEDdxK0l8tEbSXuMkfOjE3yh3rxL1OEIIdchXXM9_ZGvVSbCELRF0KRXnu4YsRW_Bb3pKysv7Eh9yAw4F4XT4nHKEHIcX35tZ0U0_kr8FMF5IkLhrJuM2L6U3J3t=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Zoran asked if we had ever tasted roasted chestnuts. He bought these for us to try. They put them in a paper cone and then you get a second cone for the shells. They were very good.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDfKhFbXqyy5WzSnh2Qp7Kpe-KQnQ1gdOkGCsUb-3M9dHcbOgvZ5Q7yIP89BH3Y7qsJsOzVb0pSL5m0nT18OMvqGKxjsQplyoEj5CaT-kQP_6FdMICnlCFA3UIJJYgL3D_UA1vvdXZzcKA-whDyjnduJ0xfuyloEDmXX4OkamPVx4Ig58qTSbY9Q4w=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDfKhFbXqyy5WzSnh2Qp7Kpe-KQnQ1gdOkGCsUb-3M9dHcbOgvZ5Q7yIP89BH3Y7qsJsOzVb0pSL5m0nT18OMvqGKxjsQplyoEj5CaT-kQP_6FdMICnlCFA3UIJJYgL3D_UA1vvdXZzcKA-whDyjnduJ0xfuyloEDmXX4OkamPVx4Ig58qTSbY9Q4w=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Zoran said you need to be careful where you get these as some places burn them to much.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We exchanged some money because the bars and Christmas markets don't do credit cards. We had dinner with Murray and Dale at a pizza restaurant. Everyone eats outside. They had some kind of sheep skin and a blanket on the stools. They also had some outdoor propane heaters going. I picked a pistasho pizza that I thought was very good. Bill didn't care for it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br />Tomorrow looks like a very full day and we haven't had much sleep since Friday night. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely......</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-36517633041773075882021-10-07T14:19:00.000-07:002021-10-07T14:19:30.112-07:00Day 16--Sicily<p> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Bill and I woke up about 2:30 am, so decided to just get up and get ready for our 3:30 departure at the hotel. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgycqUPryjeAPMrzvtv3KNaB96khPR4BwkAoMmq5NmY-IfisfGNn8wdCdps_27APO48tJZV8RCQNwzURFxUKxjLSukZixPfsgkCiJUKkAx7JqkogxlDSikOWyhM9W4Qpeduo2bA7_X4sBEhnC7NuvNSZXSmFbR_Q8xXq2jHTU51x1CP8sd9EgIxkW97=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="2048" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgycqUPryjeAPMrzvtv3KNaB96khPR4BwkAoMmq5NmY-IfisfGNn8wdCdps_27APO48tJZV8RCQNwzURFxUKxjLSukZixPfsgkCiJUKkAx7JqkogxlDSikOWyhM9W4Qpeduo2bA7_X4sBEhnC7NuvNSZXSmFbR_Q8xXq2jHTU51x1CP8sd9EgIxkW97=w640-h494" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It didn't take long to get dressed and throw the last few items in the luggage. We needed to put the luggage outside our room 10 minutes before we left, but we were ready before that so just carried them upstairs when we left. Nunzia was waiting for us. Every trip we've taken with Grand Circle/OAT the trip leader has been there until everyone has left no matter what the hour.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">She introduced us to our driver and also gave us two packed meals. I don't know what was in the bag but it was heavy. Neither Bill or I like to eat a lot before we fly so we gave the driver and his side kick our food.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We had to go to Catania airport to catch our flight. It was about a 45 minute very dark ride. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After retrieving our luggage, the driver showed us where we had to go. It was a long line that was roped off. Once we got in line it began to rain. The line didn't move very fast as there was someone at the door that wanted to see either your reservation or boarding pass and most people didn't have that paperwork readily available.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I forgot to mention in yesterday's post that a doctor came to the hotel after breakfast to give us a Covid test for our flight. This was not included in our trip but it was only 20 Euros. Nunzia handed out paper copies of our Covid test the night before. We also had filled out the attestation form for the US and had paper copies.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When we checked in with Alitalia airlines we gave them all of our paperwork and had our boarding passes very quickly. They did tell us that our bags were only checked through to Rome and we'd have to retrieve them and check in with Delta in Rome.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We flew Alitalia to Rome. Alitalia had strict rules about a face mask. You had to have a KN95 and had to change it every 4 hours. Our flight left at 6:40 am and arrived a few minutes early at 7:56 am. I know it's been a while since we've flown to Rome, but the airport is much nicer than I remember on our last trip to Italy. It was very clean and most of all quiet. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It was a long walk to the baggage area and this time we decided to use one of their carts to go through passport control. When they asked us to lower our mask for a photo, I said "gladly".</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Once through the passport control, we couldn't find Delta. There were a lot of airlines but we didn't see Delta. I asked someone and they said to exit the airport and then come in on the ground floor. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There was a line for Delta and when we got to the end the lady said she needed our attestation form. I handed it to her and she said we only except digital ones. One look at us and she said no problem. She did something with her phone and we were told to go to check in. Old age does have advantages because they will help you rather than wait for us to figure it out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">At check in the girl asked us to lower our masks so she could see our faces. I asked her is she didn't need to see it again. It felt good to remove the mask. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We had a four hour wait between flights and I have to say I was glad for the extra time. We got on the train to go to E terminal. There are two E terminals but we found our gate with no problems. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Bill and I split a sandwich. We had to show our "green pass" before we could sit at the table. I guess I didn't mention the Covid rules for Italy. Everyone is suppose to wear a mask even on the street. We found very few people doing this. Any museum or government run building required you to show your green pass. I had made a copy of our vaccination card and the front page of our passport before we left home. That's all we had to show when they required a green pass. I had the straps on our masks so every morning when we left we placed it around our necks and if we entered a government building we put the mask on when we showed the "green pass" and then took it off once we entered.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our flight from Rome to Atlanta was very smooth. We actually left 10 minutes early. The food was once again not bad and the ice cream for dessert was good. The full bottles of wine on these flights was much better than the little bottles some of the other airlines give you. I know most people like to get near the front of the plane but Bill and I prefer the back. Most people use the restrooms in front of them. Also the serving carts don't block your access to the restrooms or the snacks they put out in the back of the plane.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It was an 11 hour flight, but it didn't seem that long. We watched a lot of movies and by the time they served two meals and snacks the time went by rather quickly. Neither Bill or I slept.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We arrived in Atlanta around 5 pm. There was no waiting as we have global entry and no one was at the machines. We retrieved our luggage and put them back in for our final flight home. We had a four hour wait for the next flight.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Now we are starting to get tired. Only one 4 hour flight and we'll be home. The next plane was completely full. Bill had an aisle seat and I had a middle seat. There was a boy of 10 years old next to me and his mother was behind him in the next row. The kid had a 13 week old puppy. The mother also had a dog with her.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This kid kept getting up to use the restroom about every 30 minutes. Just when you start to fall asleep, he'd say he had to use the restroom. Needless to say, we didn't get any sleep on that flight.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">By the time we walked down to baggage, our luggage was going around on the carousel. We walked outside and the parking lot shuttle arrived. We were the only ones on the shuttle. Of course, it's about midnight now.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We took the elevator up to our floor and Bill punched the key to open the tailgate. Nothing happened. We tried to start the car and still nothing. I went down to the office and said we had a dead battery and the girl said no problem. Just sign a form that they aren't responsible for any damage and they'd bring a charger right up. The car started up and away we went. 45 minutes and we'll be home.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Oh, did I forget to mention that the 143 was closed at I 10. No problem we'll go another way. No we won't. Okay, let's try this again. Finally, we got down to I 10. I might mention that I do not drive at night if I can help it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It was a wonderful trip. We met some amazing people that I know we'll stay in touch with. Wonderful memories! Now comes another problem.....where do we go next?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br />Turtle Safely......</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-17127326927221841232021-10-06T15:18:00.003-07:002021-10-06T15:24:59.264-07:00Day 15--Mount Etna<p> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">During the night I got a phone call from Edward Jones office that woke us up. I thought I had the phone in airplane mode. It was about 3 am in Sicily. We were enjoying the fresh fragrant air with the windows open. Before we fell back to sleep, we heard the explosions of the volcano. I was thankful for that phone call or we probably would have been so exhausted we wouldn't have woken to hear the volcano. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We've had excellent weather the entire trip except for a few sprinkles while we were on the bus after leaving Taormina and returning to Zafferana. Nunzia told everyone that there was a chance of rain around noon for the day we hiked Mount Etna. Nunzia called the volcano naturalist and the 4 wheel drivers to see if we could begin 30 minutes earlier, it turned out to be a good thing.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JS8ach1iN6DLf6FYwci-jVD5JopU8MxuOo-LHnyRAOd19JDoR_6Rs2EvdPUvhBPMRnnZlWq9CRkYtjzn4uswXHBElypGKZpyIkKkqd3CHSBYLIVn6Sles1EdZQmRHOOzFwKnjBGEoOg/s5184/IMG_1564.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JS8ach1iN6DLf6FYwci-jVD5JopU8MxuOo-LHnyRAOd19JDoR_6Rs2EvdPUvhBPMRnnZlWq9CRkYtjzn4uswXHBElypGKZpyIkKkqd3CHSBYLIVn6Sles1EdZQmRHOOzFwKnjBGEoOg/w400-h300/IMG_1564.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our local nature guide gave us a 30 minute talk on the volcano before we left. Sorry about the blurry photo.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHLzWgVWFL-3-hCaCG4zqIrCzHn35DZb-nLN3Xt8AdGM6aHFiOkvekE9oxgKQ8wCzmiFljkUgpHmfk0BWzg5PxXSJm5R8_ET6R5SgOkra9Ig6HlxUqsXRY1xz02XHAnwYOIU-rd2NYs8/s5184/IMG_1563.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHLzWgVWFL-3-hCaCG4zqIrCzHn35DZb-nLN3Xt8AdGM6aHFiOkvekE9oxgKQ8wCzmiFljkUgpHmfk0BWzg5PxXSJm5R8_ET6R5SgOkra9Ig6HlxUqsXRY1xz02XHAnwYOIU-rd2NYs8/w300-h400/IMG_1563.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /> Mount Etna is more than 10,000 feet tall and the tallest active volcano in Europe. Add the fact that it is also one of the most active volcanoes in the world.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Four 4-wheel drive vehicles picked us up to take us to the northern slope. I didn't expect a big black Mercedes. Nunzia rode with us and the driver was telling her all the famous people that he's driven around Sicily. I think that was the first automatic transmission I've seen in Europe.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeGS-oCeOjhV-hTmj788Ih6JGg0KxxcmumQSGtEG6bKh25SNRfIvqPlLJNBannLQYXYnTqC1vQ8I8RKIxmu-eJ19ZyMP-lt72puJbZ29XZmbMYcvcmvF570r6H5yeNHYa9BqPx3PAXhU/s5184/IMG_1565.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeGS-oCeOjhV-hTmj788Ih6JGg0KxxcmumQSGtEG6bKh25SNRfIvqPlLJNBannLQYXYnTqC1vQ8I8RKIxmu-eJ19ZyMP-lt72puJbZ29XZmbMYcvcmvF570r6H5yeNHYa9BqPx3PAXhU/w400-h300/IMG_1565.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here we are at our first stop. I didn't expect to see all the trees.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZWhtJip5Xav47gZm676l1ZMJIaGypOeWwrtHFY8An_suwVpY_YlKQFITPQihNTgnWxuMLcNI5wGlgxZtVhwOFVNHifqqSXHNHFPehbipgkwRMRXWg9HqD8nGwu9kz0FyUokMmGy1Cbg/s5184/IMG_1569.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZWhtJip5Xav47gZm676l1ZMJIaGypOeWwrtHFY8An_suwVpY_YlKQFITPQihNTgnWxuMLcNI5wGlgxZtVhwOFVNHifqqSXHNHFPehbipgkwRMRXWg9HqD8nGwu9kz0FyUokMmGy1Cbg/w400-h300/IMG_1569.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Nick is explaining that the lava comes from the fissures not out the top of the volcano.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1OAWfqMDBNdclyDD0JnQuAaY3suT7f7LatAPS9k1VbzyxsfUbju9oxpu5D-iDOBt7yPs4lwHOdeOzfDgvvkD18ldNujD-YXRV57dG9WF29yAbmyyJkGX8CE29dRZd9jEXFOIBeO-QZg/s5184/IMG_1570.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1OAWfqMDBNdclyDD0JnQuAaY3suT7f7LatAPS9k1VbzyxsfUbju9oxpu5D-iDOBt7yPs4lwHOdeOzfDgvvkD18ldNujD-YXRV57dG9WF29yAbmyyJkGX8CE29dRZd9jEXFOIBeO-QZg/w400-h300/IMG_1570.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br />It was a beautiful day once again.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk-uJYXDQO-N4wqDVDOC38Ai7Ajbho-Y6DTr1Pnq8eg7KWNkc3MUNRRG1DX2KYburtYGmtxRNhx8Y0zub6o4kJqyPGLSxX6s_ZvUwN1kYyDLtgpvVKg79x8t-aPzyxevx8KtOXNf2rzg/s5184/IMG_1572.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk-uJYXDQO-N4wqDVDOC38Ai7Ajbho-Y6DTr1Pnq8eg7KWNkc3MUNRRG1DX2KYburtYGmtxRNhx8Y0zub6o4kJqyPGLSxX6s_ZvUwN1kYyDLtgpvVKg79x8t-aPzyxevx8KtOXNf2rzg/w400-h300/IMG_1572.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">All eight in our group elected to do the volcano 2.8 mile hike. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiwI5tH8yi8wd1p9Ea_IZBOPC2N4hwP7_MZqCqFW01h0t7kettPKVj3wmXXIQHtHuoUenEMAtujqsTRVk8BNv2FH4Ex_rcl6GuKsbfQIUeAA9-Ahp-Q7nFIxt5MQwATXodJbsXLBYHgU/s5184/IMG_1574.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiwI5tH8yi8wd1p9Ea_IZBOPC2N4hwP7_MZqCqFW01h0t7kettPKVj3wmXXIQHtHuoUenEMAtujqsTRVk8BNv2FH4Ex_rcl6GuKsbfQIUeAA9-Ahp-Q7nFIxt5MQwATXodJbsXLBYHgU/w400-h300/IMG_1574.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here's where we started the hike. The transport company had hiking sticks for everyone. I did notice they gave Bill and I two sticks while the younger ones in the group only had one stick.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YLCbl-ptTxwWr5jlZ33G0zqDl7AvHIioomEf41Q2MOfbssGrmRi-NoV3JtWS8tbU9cPLLZnDSnbarNPsO-qE4IEsGvLNmbNoTGyytGHNSa8Os_vVzasQfF2uj3hGoYP8YAkDs2E_Pvs/s5184/IMG_1579.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YLCbl-ptTxwWr5jlZ33G0zqDl7AvHIioomEf41Q2MOfbssGrmRi-NoV3JtWS8tbU9cPLLZnDSnbarNPsO-qE4IEsGvLNmbNoTGyytGHNSa8Os_vVzasQfF2uj3hGoYP8YAkDs2E_Pvs/w400-h300/IMG_1579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The weather would change in seconds to a light fog and then back to sunshine.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfoDZu4GCrB3S42qa43CiIrUPtxg9Ozb1cdtOVfgWrDqBJJBp2tmxtNkX_py3a2cKbNV9RXOqr0UR20jGOZe2smMc9Tt73aI74WnbfG1_3SP7-LozpA88_urI1dzGkmU2W9loL_5iuJk/s5184/IMG_1582.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfoDZu4GCrB3S42qa43CiIrUPtxg9Ozb1cdtOVfgWrDqBJJBp2tmxtNkX_py3a2cKbNV9RXOqr0UR20jGOZe2smMc9Tt73aI74WnbfG1_3SP7-LozpA88_urI1dzGkmU2W9loL_5iuJk/w400-h300/IMG_1582.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It felt like walking on a deep loose sand beach. You really sunk in.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMI0luzOJovXg_06CDA85g8fRsbHxNg19-caze99aZ-NU5_BGyLhyEy1iEwLfpM16wN5oFfisC8LljLul-HNDBmPW4BR61-6nA71N5Ot9ZyoOHMBAWAcrlijFkPa9QYRapKxY5tSo4_Uo/s5184/IMG_1594.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMI0luzOJovXg_06CDA85g8fRsbHxNg19-caze99aZ-NU5_BGyLhyEy1iEwLfpM16wN5oFfisC8LljLul-HNDBmPW4BR61-6nA71N5Ot9ZyoOHMBAWAcrlijFkPa9QYRapKxY5tSo4_Uo/w400-h300/IMG_1594.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We were above 6,000 feet at this point.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgNIyUf37c3Oc6KcdxJmDghElEq9Kba0-jcnkB8Shn3BO3qZ11FU4l9mnDTK3YbUp3G10hyphenhyphenEOBVqBnDmBghm1-S5tm8Qh11DWieZluDJdj9NU9ZpU9BlyuAaAC101R7z060EiaduUU98/s5184/IMG_1588.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgNIyUf37c3Oc6KcdxJmDghElEq9Kba0-jcnkB8Shn3BO3qZ11FU4l9mnDTK3YbUp3G10hyphenhyphenEOBVqBnDmBghm1-S5tm8Qh11DWieZluDJdj9NU9ZpU9BlyuAaAC101R7z060EiaduUU98/w400-h300/IMG_1588.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The "path" was very narrow and the higher it went there were steep straight down drops on both sides.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4r0Iu6XTg0sgCE9-Uqi5kG86ddiLeG5Ocst4hOlWlnTxdrYNyIVCMoMx4vWm3y3KTLSTfajXLSJ1LYZ_3nYwv7t86sOS4H1Ibxci8JMAtB4aPORUxsGmi7KQTxemIaaPoiPV80_N1tA/s5184/IMG_1589.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4r0Iu6XTg0sgCE9-Uqi5kG86ddiLeG5Ocst4hOlWlnTxdrYNyIVCMoMx4vWm3y3KTLSTfajXLSJ1LYZ_3nYwv7t86sOS4H1Ibxci8JMAtB4aPORUxsGmi7KQTxemIaaPoiPV80_N1tA/w400-h300/IMG_1589.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I believe this is Gary taking photos. The last thing I was thinking about was taking photos.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-cLR8ZRm7jhFWpZiitxC4gj4KFQqaQ6HMvKiydzTvIgLE_pWCATkDZGu7B1z4fV5RbY3_9j8OvMyAyUwrUYD3s93dbdO7WefhZWTihys7hxCGa0tN-dvkYm3lFdqnMTUimKLYlnvcN8/s5184/IMG_1591.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-cLR8ZRm7jhFWpZiitxC4gj4KFQqaQ6HMvKiydzTvIgLE_pWCATkDZGu7B1z4fV5RbY3_9j8OvMyAyUwrUYD3s93dbdO7WefhZWTihys7hxCGa0tN-dvkYm3lFdqnMTUimKLYlnvcN8/w400-h300/IMG_1591.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Eureka! Here's the hole.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4Oavn9fFQxZ7q0BT4Iv8epHxYpKVpWPlMiyZ_q_Rv5Yo6lOPEPhZmUE7PG_8uN8iMF4LAOZ0VZb5b48EuMzaAWQ2p5iusHGYYkS9cQ9xd0VG46rFmolEYMyQ5vKdXmrvezOFxo_otBI/s5184/IMG_1581.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4Oavn9fFQxZ7q0BT4Iv8epHxYpKVpWPlMiyZ_q_Rv5Yo6lOPEPhZmUE7PG_8uN8iMF4LAOZ0VZb5b48EuMzaAWQ2p5iusHGYYkS9cQ9xd0VG46rFmolEYMyQ5vKdXmrvezOFxo_otBI/w400-h300/IMG_1581.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I have to say as much as I loved the Fiat 500 ride, the Mafia discussions and all the other things we did, this was something I'll never forget!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUuTvLb1pgPusSC4KbbJDhKWDYJeT8PIE4xTOf02LEmZqIZoeW_Hwbxn7ZTqaffQ5lPiLlXp_ucC4-ntnYo7KxtYUHVW0WfDOYPDCxUu4HOY93JRhhOIk2UEhYSNm3Ycr9mC2pw-9hCw/s5184/IMG_1596.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUuTvLb1pgPusSC4KbbJDhKWDYJeT8PIE4xTOf02LEmZqIZoeW_Hwbxn7ZTqaffQ5lPiLlXp_ucC4-ntnYo7KxtYUHVW0WfDOYPDCxUu4HOY93JRhhOIk2UEhYSNm3Ycr9mC2pw-9hCw/w300-h400/IMG_1596.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As we were hiking back to the vehicles we saw some locals gathering mushrooms near the roadway. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwfsgrbM2PPA-23NIVqQ5UO51n8viq4XUCQ4w7LkxsdON8zefBXcIeLibD__mn2GoMcNu-FUmqJ75JtQ8mFKnp1NOuwH1_cmTPQ4fV8FEwqYrkyYVDBthrgyiLLVYwLcxv0aNom7Bmik/s5184/IMG_1598.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwfsgrbM2PPA-23NIVqQ5UO51n8viq4XUCQ4w7LkxsdON8zefBXcIeLibD__mn2GoMcNu-FUmqJ75JtQ8mFKnp1NOuwH1_cmTPQ4fV8FEwqYrkyYVDBthrgyiLLVYwLcxv0aNom7Bmik/w400-h300/IMG_1598.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Bill didn't even wear a jacket but I was comfortable in my rain jacket. We stopped at local coffee shop for a bathroom stop. I enjoyed a great cup of hot chocolate. The European's really know how to make it.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvWnfWTdUOSxZO2ADjooeTV-q5Ta-eXzCDwpiRW40M8V3JuRq820TDQj4daVXjRSLEUNWpzDtU3ixYDde64zzmaoZJR1drRt9jMf6bLl5yN8mf_HlvcWUgT2Rnqbu5_71KxvJxN8_BlU/s5184/IMG_1599.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvWnfWTdUOSxZO2ADjooeTV-q5Ta-eXzCDwpiRW40M8V3JuRq820TDQj4daVXjRSLEUNWpzDtU3ixYDde64zzmaoZJR1drRt9jMf6bLl5yN8mf_HlvcWUgT2Rnqbu5_71KxvJxN8_BlU/w400-h300/IMG_1599.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This is what it looked like when we left the coffee shop. Of course, a few moments later once we started down, the weather cleared up.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmP01lYHN4eR515yMkr7tdgS5qBxO0GZfVdcYDXAvN2tS2JSBdhUChvHsAvdTZuFGNwG3fCiwtdQjuv_n1StvqkljW8xZNtYoxslixGPOrlW65KXXNdA1hTNSh0hS0kL6uzXd_-driyU/s5184/IMG_1601.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmP01lYHN4eR515yMkr7tdgS5qBxO0GZfVdcYDXAvN2tS2JSBdhUChvHsAvdTZuFGNwG3fCiwtdQjuv_n1StvqkljW8xZNtYoxslixGPOrlW65KXXNdA1hTNSh0hS0kL6uzXd_-driyU/w400-h300/IMG_1601.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We enjoyed a great lunch at a beautiful place on the volcano. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8plLfYDYCUeymN30ngIqr6wJefhKRGnhccJikubMqRqxGhSfBNjo2PQFfH6Ij3jAFsrTkPCqAK0YXgUJoNZa6_vpXDH2I7ooIaGihcuel6F5ubh7_j_l1DGl1C7sfxWPz8akHpRvvd8g/s5184/IMG_1602.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8plLfYDYCUeymN30ngIqr6wJefhKRGnhccJikubMqRqxGhSfBNjo2PQFfH6Ij3jAFsrTkPCqAK0YXgUJoNZa6_vpXDH2I7ooIaGihcuel6F5ubh7_j_l1DGl1C7sfxWPz8akHpRvvd8g/w400-h300/IMG_1602.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We saw these goats between the roads. Back to the hotel and we have a couple of hours before drinks and dinner with drinks.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I started packing the luggage and then it started to rain. We've been so busy we didn't have time to use the outdoor pool. I thought this was the time to use the spa facilities of the hotel. There was an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, whirlpool and I'm not sure what else. Then I remembered that we had to leave the hotel the next morning at 3:30 and I didn't want to have a wet swimsuit in the luggage even though I had a waterproof bag.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCEy3v6HuvUE5ltf8tzcqgHHXv41aovxU5KRPVr00U8YhfI-VU_1NHzbO0KddG16PXgDPSYQjGXFuIACmqU4gxP4mtoOw8uIojdvJH_NfYZ3Kxll3XPzqjAgXseChp3e2y2-W0YEUKhY/s5184/IMG_1604.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCEy3v6HuvUE5ltf8tzcqgHHXv41aovxU5KRPVr00U8YhfI-VU_1NHzbO0KddG16PXgDPSYQjGXFuIACmqU4gxP4mtoOw8uIojdvJH_NfYZ3Kxll3XPzqjAgXseChp3e2y2-W0YEUKhY/w400-h300/IMG_1604.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We all toasted our drinks together the Sicilian way--look them in the eye!</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Nunzia wanted to know what people liked and didn't like about the tour. There were no dislikes. The appetizers were great. She then prepared a video of the photos she'd taken during the trip. I don't know how she had the time. Here's the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/GpjcbgGVGcqkusqS6</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tv0EgKU9zQZtgxGLB7kH-ckLERuObb5zJImmikgVRclqZyu_k7RKr0gp8CdMKSkIy3vvjGC_KkUdzGZ4vfKNcTplLGyyqCIneVNHwyTDcboc7Y29xUv5xqUgxSjFYFyNBOEnQwIZR80/s5184/IMG_1605.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tv0EgKU9zQZtgxGLB7kH-ckLERuObb5zJImmikgVRclqZyu_k7RKr0gp8CdMKSkIy3vvjGC_KkUdzGZ4vfKNcTplLGyyqCIneVNHwyTDcboc7Y29xUv5xqUgxSjFYFyNBOEnQwIZR80/w400-h300/IMG_1605.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">She gave each of us a gift to remember the trip. Thank goodness they were small or I wouldn't have been able to put them in the luggage. There were two cards from the Scoppa deck, a hand painted wine cork, a papyrus painting and a piece of lava from Mount Etna. The lava went in our display case of items from other trips as soon as I unpacked.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We had a wonderful farewell dinner and no one seemed to want to leave the table. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxjy8hNuPJtS3QrkS881RUptF6SCbLPjaYPPZcfkw4Y3REXGXVBl3BowfN7afIwuE9vnUlNB8qqVnINLnRthI46vOc1l3eQwilhhh2WmCeHZBwKZP9vABnBSnFr1mhRDob3WHscLXdyk/s5184/IMG_1612.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxjy8hNuPJtS3QrkS881RUptF6SCbLPjaYPPZcfkw4Y3REXGXVBl3BowfN7afIwuE9vnUlNB8qqVnINLnRthI46vOc1l3eQwilhhh2WmCeHZBwKZP9vABnBSnFr1mhRDob3WHscLXdyk/w400-h300/IMG_1612.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here's Nunzia with Howie, a solo traveler.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb97wlbiJAcU2NOTnU3lY6jbGWb_gFBJgdQfwXdydu14UfGwvRuLXQyfiWWLyXs4Grl6ibBjv4-QTshNepiWhBJ0Z9rHKYI7hYVDANWQxr5HBnmwgTucLC1otq2Z4QsOWwDs-bpp6leck/s5184/IMG_1609.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb97wlbiJAcU2NOTnU3lY6jbGWb_gFBJgdQfwXdydu14UfGwvRuLXQyfiWWLyXs4Grl6ibBjv4-QTshNepiWhBJ0Z9rHKYI7hYVDANWQxr5HBnmwgTucLC1otq2Z4QsOWwDs-bpp6leck/w400-h300/IMG_1609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here's Gail and Gary who we hope we'll travel with again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQey-PaRUaWvX7BXMi70QlW8Fujayqo1TAfbbENWT7-fp6a7cpcJOehCwkARvuMLng6cGpQprqAxMVs4D6ENh9XIB8PYbLSCf1K1gx1c-9bc5hUWAGbVx8cZDuoNXLX-BF8bkIHOaVXB0/s5184/IMG_1610.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQey-PaRUaWvX7BXMi70QlW8Fujayqo1TAfbbENWT7-fp6a7cpcJOehCwkARvuMLng6cGpQprqAxMVs4D6ENh9XIB8PYbLSCf1K1gx1c-9bc5hUWAGbVx8cZDuoNXLX-BF8bkIHOaVXB0/w400-h300/IMG_1610.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Alain and Viktoriya, who we will see again on a tour.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We were the first to leave since we had an early morning departure. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I'll finish up the trip in the next blog.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely.......<br /><br /></span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118391149058488148.post-36495788602305714482021-10-05T14:24:00.001-07:002021-10-05T14:24:59.964-07:00Day 14 Sicily<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CB_GqbJ6VWtqdv8rxofuyFG2W0RRSkKEJgMs_HQOh7bLhNtLCcHJ99QQbkuFN1aGXxspaKcNQzLxJD-MxNxahEge_nkI-8FMo8oQ_jB40psRTjryNdRm7W_nR4a8K5ZDtvBH-JyR6eI/s5184/IMG_1493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CB_GqbJ6VWtqdv8rxofuyFG2W0RRSkKEJgMs_HQOh7bLhNtLCcHJ99QQbkuFN1aGXxspaKcNQzLxJD-MxNxahEge_nkI-8FMo8oQ_jB40psRTjryNdRm7W_nR4a8K5ZDtvBH-JyR6eI/w300-h400/IMG_1493.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Bill and I were ready for our adventures which began right after breakfast. Our bus took us to Taormina but first Nunzia wanted to know if we wanted to stop at local honey place first. Of course, everyone wanted to stop even though we had been on the bus less than 5 or 10 minutes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9ZXqP0OgDAXlIo0MYTuJSZFtWv4egVq7Pt8ORFEGE_ey8FpLhsEYg_Fo1PN9P3o-2_jdBwvgs01WTcHVdzz1oo7rDX_i_NImOrRYbPdAcwz6uLsX0yslOHzg358tTcmeQVs7fVxCi34/s5184/IMG_1494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9ZXqP0OgDAXlIo0MYTuJSZFtWv4egVq7Pt8ORFEGE_ey8FpLhsEYg_Fo1PN9P3o-2_jdBwvgs01WTcHVdzz1oo7rDX_i_NImOrRYbPdAcwz6uLsX0yslOHzg358tTcmeQVs7fVxCi34/w400-h300/IMG_1494.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here's a close up of the bee hive.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgG3aVFowg4UulGCif9m1qlPr5RL1pFKqRK-5o5o-5Ya8uCyeplBHdouq4SeF_YtdfaPmyxzKuYSdXUiv2qe7IHZL0PcET8ZhW9_AsMVyjwhOyI0DxRKz2F09X81mQWWqAwAPRjJ-rAzo/s5184/IMG_1495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgG3aVFowg4UulGCif9m1qlPr5RL1pFKqRK-5o5o-5Ya8uCyeplBHdouq4SeF_YtdfaPmyxzKuYSdXUiv2qe7IHZL0PcET8ZhW9_AsMVyjwhOyI0DxRKz2F09X81mQWWqAwAPRjJ-rAzo/w400-h300/IMG_1495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It was interesting to learn what they did with the honey.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1Eb_zFNwBgUSKDQKrnhF4396LOLig1AC60cVMnyRpyFLrTdC406hIg3GB_E6PGutAmWWbXMqbJobPDVFjrCG812RFlB-AlIZWhA9crnJI7rghiLpHmFFXUHVIj6c3yP_Kz7DrlY4JgU/s5184/IMG_1496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1Eb_zFNwBgUSKDQKrnhF4396LOLig1AC60cVMnyRpyFLrTdC406hIg3GB_E6PGutAmWWbXMqbJobPDVFjrCG812RFlB-AlIZWhA9crnJI7rghiLpHmFFXUHVIj6c3yP_Kz7DrlY4JgU/w400-h300/IMG_1496.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There were all kinds of different products that they made from honey. They also had samples of olive oil.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_-4MFHDvx_OEvkMGPixhBQoqGH3dtawjE7aMnsYGRr9NWpXjH9iujf5kHOxhY1mEppaUCSA89dimumCQV5XFREpBhzhvfoi18Gw1rJAJEcvHPPywe0tc0ccijBXG2r1gJcLwmHhLNi4/s5184/IMG_1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_-4MFHDvx_OEvkMGPixhBQoqGH3dtawjE7aMnsYGRr9NWpXjH9iujf5kHOxhY1mEppaUCSA89dimumCQV5XFREpBhzhvfoi18Gw1rJAJEcvHPPywe0tc0ccijBXG2r1gJcLwmHhLNi4/w400-h300/IMG_1497.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This was the first time that we have had a wine tasting right after breakfast. It was good but I would have been afraid to carry a bottle home in my luggage.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBriMOMDkhywbLyI3pDoWzpRaNgy7WuowHXLBgyTkPCKbwGmuwyyXlLSGgUT1W7afQfyA1-8KPkz_rlfWboT0f4xbXCDqSwI0zNpAB1cmITNELIHNLZeTIDQIhO9K2GfNm63wqciycYh4/s5184/IMG_1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBriMOMDkhywbLyI3pDoWzpRaNgy7WuowHXLBgyTkPCKbwGmuwyyXlLSGgUT1W7afQfyA1-8KPkz_rlfWboT0f4xbXCDqSwI0zNpAB1cmITNELIHNLZeTIDQIhO9K2GfNm63wqciycYh4/w400-h300/IMG_1506.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Nunzia said "let's stop and walk along the water before we go to Taormina. This little village, Gardina, isn't as touristy." If you look at the right side of the photo up on the hill you can see Taormina.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37s5j-Znrt3NEOQwBi5vRX4FCGMub_WtLR-t8EcDau1SMHxD9YP4uHETGcOKYZnyBGkkSm_x9iMHeVNWMuQqdxTIp6AgqI-gLpJeKKD5nLdh5-CSyx16oGG4b269HLLviWOQ3McYSOu4/s5184/IMG_1511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37s5j-Znrt3NEOQwBi5vRX4FCGMub_WtLR-t8EcDau1SMHxD9YP4uHETGcOKYZnyBGkkSm_x9iMHeVNWMuQqdxTIp6AgqI-gLpJeKKD5nLdh5-CSyx16oGG4b269HLLviWOQ3McYSOu4/w400-h300/IMG_1511.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Nunzia joined us for a photo.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHffQOaz1mlVbYKc58sc3ooR_eL2_Uulu1dxJxAjfyPXuEYua0pUQRk2irCQWMwTV_a5hYXq0QunP1BgX1pO959IZkeFaQsd0UFMj_nBfsnGKqHgZ-Jho6k1uUDwvwhnjg646fmmv1ns/s5184/IMG_1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHffQOaz1mlVbYKc58sc3ooR_eL2_Uulu1dxJxAjfyPXuEYua0pUQRk2irCQWMwTV_a5hYXq0QunP1BgX1pO959IZkeFaQsd0UFMj_nBfsnGKqHgZ-Jho6k1uUDwvwhnjg646fmmv1ns/w400-h300/IMG_1514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This photo shows the date of Gardina Naxos--734 </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILCxs0P3GGpcV_p5Ds6xOJPos_I3_yR3sesXEyra3I4R6sRbE8ortPrlwVzTbCpGv_0pOM_98SkSvT0a0gyJ3kFo7bVRGAq3tolEv4H78aSayd0z-r73JNpuTvLwu4_UT4alvO9GW0nM/s5184/IMG_1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILCxs0P3GGpcV_p5Ds6xOJPos_I3_yR3sesXEyra3I4R6sRbE8ortPrlwVzTbCpGv_0pOM_98SkSvT0a0gyJ3kFo7bVRGAq3tolEv4H78aSayd0z-r73JNpuTvLwu4_UT4alvO9GW0nM/w400-h300/IMG_1521.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It was a beautiful spot, but then every place was beautiful in Sicily.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdv3faryJJfNuveBltkLGw14EZUEPkYFmMsHafmkHOzEdb4ClALBsAAu9jFoCtJzKAKgYQxj53mPFeMu30r8mN6rG9sUaE2AeraDkGjrxes8V9rXxazPGZnonbQObgQnrUrZP4n7By7Q/s5184/IMG_1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdv3faryJJfNuveBltkLGw14EZUEPkYFmMsHafmkHOzEdb4ClALBsAAu9jFoCtJzKAKgYQxj53mPFeMu30r8mN6rG9sUaE2AeraDkGjrxes8V9rXxazPGZnonbQObgQnrUrZP4n7By7Q/w400-h300/IMG_1528.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The bus stopped along the road to Taormina so we could take photos.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwtG3qEUvDc7gZOza3xQUyo3VtPbzi71qn631wMUJK87B9lNO8DS2cEq4F3Q0AhIl6KuE7yBg__BrIFjn8VDWYmEMN-BQXGE2y5MhKc78noIwWrp7Q3Ph-Ca5m6OkOPoCUwUtQUeiBWU/s5184/IMG_1529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwtG3qEUvDc7gZOza3xQUyo3VtPbzi71qn631wMUJK87B9lNO8DS2cEq4F3Q0AhIl6KuE7yBg__BrIFjn8VDWYmEMN-BQXGE2y5MhKc78noIwWrp7Q3Ph-Ca5m6OkOPoCUwUtQUeiBWU/w300-h400/IMG_1529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here's a group photo of the smallest alley in Taormina. We're all in it, but the taller people didn't show up well.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY9SlsqZSSZ6tplh1uxWG_KTCpipxGcNNpQzI4VVRS_RFLW4Zfr7pE7vDWZU6CP81b-VawUXihYpzG9dhrhSceN9_91vmxR85SscrBPJ9ecQGH5-BQSjkaKZr5OZtNhTD-tfXi1QngaA/s5184/IMG_1530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY9SlsqZSSZ6tplh1uxWG_KTCpipxGcNNpQzI4VVRS_RFLW4Zfr7pE7vDWZU6CP81b-VawUXihYpzG9dhrhSceN9_91vmxR85SscrBPJ9ecQGH5-BQSjkaKZr5OZtNhTD-tfXi1QngaA/w400-h300/IMG_1530.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I took this next photo for Rebecca and Ron who put on the film festival in Beaufort every year. These are the people who are in the Taormina film festival. If you click on the photo it will enlarge it.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWtQ6pPW5evLrYGvrkCKxrbZMjeVX9cQ2VHUjQhKtdeXn_vp6DIgXrg5HShsdxqUE9CzHapxnnXid_tJ-X09iCrSqESUad5AngsMn_ZXac63jL7xlOkK5LO1OUCYmCnSxE4xvYh9d7TA/s5184/IMG_1539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWtQ6pPW5evLrYGvrkCKxrbZMjeVX9cQ2VHUjQhKtdeXn_vp6DIgXrg5HShsdxqUE9CzHapxnnXid_tJ-X09iCrSqESUad5AngsMn_ZXac63jL7xlOkK5LO1OUCYmCnSxE4xvYh9d7TA/w400-h300/IMG_1539.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our local guide who is an expert on the Teatro Antico di Taormina showed us around.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqAjhU5Pgo2xxuyjyvZ60Z7yC3rKw4W-yQlq3ZhAOajFJldYvYlVTCqs8H7-4lrhOEMl4e0hFsTBC8l62-OKnDE0Ey9_qbE6WnFR664TiCvtaC4fp3ndeS2sRGsafUe5L1fCpi77IZdo/s5184/IMG_1532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqAjhU5Pgo2xxuyjyvZ60Z7yC3rKw4W-yQlq3ZhAOajFJldYvYlVTCqs8H7-4lrhOEMl4e0hFsTBC8l62-OKnDE0Ey9_qbE6WnFR664TiCvtaC4fp3ndeS2sRGsafUe5L1fCpi77IZdo/w400-h300/IMG_1532.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /> This dates back to the third century.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9CT0A8_J8Jb8BViHZE4pPycDt9pU3_yJtoNNknlGcOwUJRbrWWxsQzIc-N7HhFlZr78_DjnEcvmFl5fX0pbQriqe3eNAbSh1WIcCBNTN18p2vaLto7VWx3SFUB_qJoQYZfIfLjVxVbI/s5184/IMG_1533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9CT0A8_J8Jb8BViHZE4pPycDt9pU3_yJtoNNknlGcOwUJRbrWWxsQzIc-N7HhFlZr78_DjnEcvmFl5fX0pbQriqe3eNAbSh1WIcCBNTN18p2vaLto7VWx3SFUB_qJoQYZfIfLjVxVbI/w400-h300/IMG_1533.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Even though this is a Greek theater, you can still see signs of the Romans.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNEcTDzS9maEVOfz2-redXSojRABfP9ogkNhqcFOYq_qUX7jdpvx5KTuzsy4i0db2Yg2mv9zPq6yDo2QhCLurt6Am0IWB7DhfopwWDc_ZXRBMQ_ZVeAwhlvznVe19VDW66B_gGgReu5o/s5184/IMG_1535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNEcTDzS9maEVOfz2-redXSojRABfP9ogkNhqcFOYq_qUX7jdpvx5KTuzsy4i0db2Yg2mv9zPq6yDo2QhCLurt6Am0IWB7DhfopwWDc_ZXRBMQ_ZVeAwhlvznVe19VDW66B_gGgReu5o/w400-h300/IMG_1535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here's a view of Taormina from the theater.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixarVVuYYT6_ueM_0n1UgBdycJwgYrx7nljYxQmgo5LDm3vJlb3UW9hRzsfRqFTYMLpha39rRU3YD2j4UIf0ZDsxxTgoqvcMRfrsQ20hPeh39F5qsK1-V97dHHp_kUG44ZI-Q6y9WbfPo/s5184/IMG_1540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixarVVuYYT6_ueM_0n1UgBdycJwgYrx7nljYxQmgo5LDm3vJlb3UW9hRzsfRqFTYMLpha39rRU3YD2j4UIf0ZDsxxTgoqvcMRfrsQ20hPeh39F5qsK1-V97dHHp_kUG44ZI-Q6y9WbfPo/w400-h300/IMG_1540.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Bill wasn't sure he could climb all those steps--but he did it!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC3SIuq8yzlxq_5t8OEKDcrLyjLh7fpw9usmI_sleJLL-thJhj3XlvFpRMy34N_z7OXYuNd0H0TQI6FCIwpLOeH5sxZHDDXZcf0OZzd8frQmTqUmkqKRul0gCBO_yYFNCbNVTRylW_DA/s5184/IMG_1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaC3SIuq8yzlxq_5t8OEKDcrLyjLh7fpw9usmI_sleJLL-thJhj3XlvFpRMy34N_z7OXYuNd0H0TQI6FCIwpLOeH5sxZHDDXZcf0OZzd8frQmTqUmkqKRul0gCBO_yYFNCbNVTRylW_DA/w400-h300/IMG_1549.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It had some fantastic views.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlW0J7zs8R-53KQauPgss-Pja56bONfnZtaEtpKAb1I08HEnpowv7DSqnrvsu9SlwWvWRc64JL3WFohBaft_vdXnEjnNTSrOcKaFIcXYwB4Bd1mP_7xe4CIYl2ZPLWt-JaaZk866UUgA/s5184/IMG_1552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlW0J7zs8R-53KQauPgss-Pja56bONfnZtaEtpKAb1I08HEnpowv7DSqnrvsu9SlwWvWRc64JL3WFohBaft_vdXnEjnNTSrOcKaFIcXYwB4Bd1mP_7xe4CIYl2ZPLWt-JaaZk866UUgA/w400-h300/IMG_1552.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Our local guide suggested visiting this at 2 pm as that was when less people were there. When we left there were huge lines to get in.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcaaggafI0GYQQLPi7J5CPmvldWJPWiX9stR8dulJRui3CS9qoSfM5WJLwsSFdEeG1n5GTc_uR3MoxVDC9sg6ABrfhsebD8f0cR_kR-b2cAPXT78ZgOO54eujzcePWYTlU42VTAOpAjY/s5184/IMG_1547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcaaggafI0GYQQLPi7J5CPmvldWJPWiX9stR8dulJRui3CS9qoSfM5WJLwsSFdEeG1n5GTc_uR3MoxVDC9sg6ABrfhsebD8f0cR_kR-b2cAPXT78ZgOO54eujzcePWYTlU42VTAOpAjY/w400-h300/IMG_1547.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This theater was formerly a gladiatorial battle arena. Today opera and theatrical performances are held there.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It was about a 45 minute drive back to our hotel. I knew Bill was going to enjoy the next event for the day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxVW_6OITI9jF9bI1ExclWkXT4wKKM7pmsOqrfF5z8bsgv1ve4-2PjxpxrlwYg3-vHcuUsIHYnBkx1uQ02M_o3awE6pYbuKoqX1f6FPk7EsXQ8845WJQ1oqQ8JzsivHmgwGqfULoRB-0/s5184/IMG_1553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxVW_6OITI9jF9bI1ExclWkXT4wKKM7pmsOqrfF5z8bsgv1ve4-2PjxpxrlwYg3-vHcuUsIHYnBkx1uQ02M_o3awE6pYbuKoqX1f6FPk7EsXQ8845WJQ1oqQ8JzsivHmgwGqfULoRB-0/w400-h300/IMG_1553.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We were lucky once again as Claudio Fava was available to give us a lecture on the Antimafia Movement. He is president of the Sicilian Antimafia commission. He told about Giuseppe Impastato who was murdered by the mafia. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">After the discussion there were a lot of questions.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We boarded our bus for dinner nearby. What an interesting place it was.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwa8SP0y1x93NClHs0XR_v5bhBJYJovDlPwJ3OlxsBVSlaBlDNbHdU0KyyccuCL3Rd8A-BlQ6HK2KhVZKQ8d19r_PSbve8J3M-aq98jfgcj9AL32uyr_Vs-NX7st3_Hine8b-mOJD-Wj8/s5184/IMG_1554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwa8SP0y1x93NClHs0XR_v5bhBJYJovDlPwJ3OlxsBVSlaBlDNbHdU0KyyccuCL3Rd8A-BlQ6HK2KhVZKQ8d19r_PSbve8J3M-aq98jfgcj9AL32uyr_Vs-NX7st3_Hine8b-mOJD-Wj8/w400-h300/IMG_1554.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br />Notice the wine bottles and bicycle in this ceiling shot?</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The owner said he did all this decorating during the Covid shutdown.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE12KutJLBOAa9gvSswpkftWJX6I2347lXxkmMjBKgcKeGDsNl2QnDoyMrgQXi4l7ivp57Uoh_CNBzJPvZEo8woTZ7UkmtF_Tk6aJv5pFdoQLUcYmrJXdaKOOsaxOUTHFwgLWmcr2Gyto/s5184/IMG_1556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE12KutJLBOAa9gvSswpkftWJX6I2347lXxkmMjBKgcKeGDsNl2QnDoyMrgQXi4l7ivp57Uoh_CNBzJPvZEo8woTZ7UkmtF_Tk6aJv5pFdoQLUcYmrJXdaKOOsaxOUTHFwgLWmcr2Gyto/w400-h300/IMG_1556.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">While we were eating we were entertained by Giorgio.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBgMg1kNe40FHC57yJHPv-nzSVw5tQqUM3Jst1VQaWGfinn_iSTpAnqNpScnysLviRgqdx-N_U8qGQ7uD8qQBbVh2kKMosJzFNp4jNYP2uKlJdi3q92GPY8wfr2DdeOWB6iZZeJTuFfw/s5184/IMG_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBgMg1kNe40FHC57yJHPv-nzSVw5tQqUM3Jst1VQaWGfinn_iSTpAnqNpScnysLviRgqdx-N_U8qGQ7uD8qQBbVh2kKMosJzFNp4jNYP2uKlJdi3q92GPY8wfr2DdeOWB6iZZeJTuFfw/w400-h300/IMG_1559.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The food was served on roof tiles.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It was another very busy and informative day. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Turtle Safely........</span></p>billandjanrvingtheusa.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07029050668729852555noreply@blogger.com1