Day 7- Anniversary Cruise

Today finds our roving anniversary couple in Rhodes, Greece.

This was our view from the ship dock of the City of Rhodes. 

The walled area encompasses the medieval section.

Our first stop was to a local family pottery shop(cha ching), where they make and(I know you are surprised) sell the pottery.

We did purchase a small, very

pretty piece that would travel

well in a suitcase.

Then it was back on the bus and headed south to the ancient city of Lindos.  Lindos is a quaint, beautiful city of typical white houses. Our tour stop was the acropolis upon which sits The Temple of Athena Lindia. The lower level houses the Castle of the Knights of St. John. We started up the hill walking(the only way up), with great intentions. Mrs. Retired Brickman's knees were bothering her, and like a good husband, I stopped with her. We were about 2/3's of the way up. We rested, took a few pictures and then conducted a very democratic confab, do we keep going and have a really tiring walk back down, or give it up and head back down now and have a nice cold drink. Well... Yeah, you guessed it, the cold drink was too hard to pass up on that warm day!

The third stop was back near the ship and the medieval walled part of the city of Rhodes. Contained within the city walls is the Palace of the Grand Master. Originally built in the 7th century, parts were destroyed and rebuilt over the years. The most recent was done by the Italians between 1937-1940. It was to be a holiday residence for the King of Italy, and then later for fascist dictator Mussolini. His name still appears on a large sign near the entrance.  Out of the 158 rooms, only 24 are open for touring. When the Italians left, the castle was looted of anything of value by them.  Whatever remained, walked away courtesy of the townspeople.

 Interior shots of the Palace

Floors-made from individual mosaics

more floor mosaics

The beautiful sunset as we bid farewell to Rhodes!

Up next: Kusadasi (Ephesus) Turkey- No wait, Turkey was cancelled based on the State Departments Travel Advisory in regards to "an uncertain environment". A shame to miss out on Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary, but I think all on board were relieved based on the problems at the time. We were given another sea day as it was too late to book a different port, oh well. so next up:Athens!

Day 6- Anniversary Cruise

Here we are in Crete

After a day of rest cruising aboard ship, we were ready to hit the ground running in Crete.

Today's trip was to Konossos, frequently refered to as Europe's oldest city, the first settlement around 7000 BC (that's old!).  The first palace dates to 1500 BC.  Below are some photos of the partially restored city.

After a tour of the city, we were on the bus to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.  Known as one of the greatest museums in Greece, and the best in the world for Minoan art.  It contains artifacts from 650 to 6000 BC. Below are a few of the most interesting (according to the guy with the camera, Me).

 

 

 

After the museum, we were given time (and I know you'll be surprised) to shop for souvenirs. But first, a soft drink for Mrs. Retiredbrickman, and an ice cold greek beer fot me(you work up a real thirst looking at all that greek stuff).

                                                       
                                              

My souvenir, a handmade greek olive oil jar,
which i use daily when cooking.

up next: Day 7- Rhodes

Day 4- Anniversary Cruise

Welcome to Napoli!

Day 4 finds us in Naples, Italy. After leaving the ship and boarding our bus to the Mount Vesuvius area and Pompeii, our first stop was a commercial break( CHA CHING) at a cameo factory.

                    Left: Craftsperson(PC) working on
                             cameo shown at Right











                                                  A look out of the bus window shows
                                      Mount Vesuvius approaching in the distance







  So, we began our trek up to the top of Mount Vesuvius .Mrs. Retired Brickman's knees were bothering her that morning(hell getting old, not so funny to her that morning). Part of the way up was about all she could take, so I left her to look at some beautiful scenery, and continued my climb of just over a half mile up.












Sounds easy, right. Well, for a fat, out of shape, retired brickman,
 it was no easy task. What made it more difficult was the fact that it was extremely cold that day, and kept getting colder as I went higher. Mrs. Retired Brickmans saving grace was the sunshine she was able to find while awaiting my return.





A comforting thought as you look down the mountain is the ambulance parked at the bottom awaiting it's next transport.




  I finally reached the top and claimed my prize, the driving force that kept me climbing for 45 long, cold minutes: my picture at the top by the crater. Maybe not worth it to some, but for me, better than a nice glass of red wine(well, maybe not). There will always be another glass of wine, but a chance for my picture atop of Mount Vesuvius, once in a lifetime.

      So after a much faster climb down, a hot cup of coffee(and the best find of the whole trip: an $8 long sleeve sweatshirt with NAPOLI on the front and an Italian flag on the sleeve) it was back on the bus to the remains of the city of Pompeii.

Outside wall of city

Map of Pompeii

 I have tons of pictures inside Pompeii, so I will just highlight a few.

Plaster cast of body found on site

Lupanare,brothel in english

Part of the "menu" at the Lupanare

red arrow point to directional sign used to find /Lupanare(look closely)

Men from many different countries visited the Lupanare of Pompeii. As such, many different languages were spoken. This may have been one of the first uses of "universal signage"as directional signs(which were also on the steet corners in the sidewalk) and on the "menu" inside the house. No need to learn the different languages, just point to what is wanted.

The next three pictures are from a "rich" man's home

front of house

court yard

water cistern used to cool house-
located just inside entry

Local theater

panoramic shot of part of the city with Vesuvius in the background center(also Mrs. Retired Brickman in red)

So, we leave Naples and Italy for a day at sea(mostly spent resting our "dogs",no pictures onboard) crusing toward our next destination, Crete, Greece.

up next: Day 6: Crete(Heraklion), Greece