Now that the world was open again, it seemed like a good time to reassemble the crew and begin a new adventure. Time has taken its inevitable toll and some of the crew have developed more limiting mobility issues. However, I’m blessed with a group of mightily determined friends who always manage to find a way to compensate. Rose is always the innovator. She now travels with a collapsible cane, a walker and an electric scooter. Cruise ships and more than half of the tours and excursions are accommodating. They publish the difficulty of the activity so there’s no possibility of disappointment. This time we were meeting the ship in Civitivecchia which is 37 miles west northwest of Rome so naturally, we opted to spend an extra day in Rome. We stayed at the same boutique hotel near the Trevi Fountain and had a great time wandering around Rome with no set itinerary. This time there were six of us. We’ve always had good luck asking locals for dining recommendations and this time was no different. Dining in Italy is the closest thing to heaven on earth. This cruise was taking us to several Greek Isles and returning to Barcelona.
We toured the Colosseum, threw coins in the fountain and ate. Rome never gets old, pun intended.
On to our cruise ship and off to Greece. Out first stop was the Island of Olympia. If you remember from our last visit here in 2017, Olympia was the stop that we almost passed up. Thankfully, we didn’t. This time there was no question we were going. Four of our party of six had not been to Olympia nor had they experienced the food, the wine and the dancers. After the tour of the site of the first Olympics, the temples and antiquities, we were taken to the same restaurant. I was so pleased because I knew it would be an amazing show. The dancers were the same people and even though we were all 6 years older, they hadn’t lost a step. On our way out, I thanked the lead dancer who again gave me a big sweaty bear hug. Some things never change! Greece has a population of stray dogs and cats that appear to be community pets. Gina absolutely loves cats and it seemed like no matter where we went there were cats waiting for Gina.
Next on the itinerary was Athens. Like Rome, it never gets old. Seeing the Acropolis is always awe inspiring and this time we were able to tour a museum with incredible ancient artifacts.
Next was a magnificent Greek Orthodox church. The word icon is constantly used in conversation and in print but the original use of the word refers to the beautiful imagery in the Orthodox churches. There are no statues only the exquisite depictions of the holy ones. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens is a perfect example of that.
After the beauty of Athens, we were off to Mykonos. Jennifer is a hot weather and beach person so this promised to be one of her most memorable stops. Mykonos is exactly what you would expect for a seaside Greek Isle, gorgeous, laid back and full of Greek charm. Amazing shops, colorful flowers and a vibrant nightlife.
Next, off to Rhodes. Rhodes is a completely different experience from Mykonos. The location of one of the ancient wonders of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes, built around 280 BC at an impressive height of 108 feet, which stood for only 54 years before being destroyed in an earthquake. Today’s Rhodes is an incredible mix of the ancient, the medieval and the modern with the ever present neighborhood cats! The history buffs out there will really appreciate Rhodes.
While Santorini and Mykonos may be familiar to most people, I have to admit, Rhodes was my favorite. It had a different feel that was more tranquil yet more conducive to exploration. The diversity of the ages can instantly transport you to a different time. Imagine being in Rhodes during the earthquake and watching the Colossus being destroyed or seeing the Knights of St. John riding through the town and knowing that as you stand there this actually happened so long ago.
Our last stop in Greece was Santorini home of the vibrant blue domed roofs. This is an island not to be missed. The shape of the island today is not what it was when it was called Thera in ancient times.
Santorini, previously known as Thera, is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea.The island was home to the Minoan civilization, which flourished around 1600 BCE. A massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BCE led to the collapse of the Minoan society. The eruption created a caldera, shaping the island’s current geography.
Before and after the eruption.
The archaeological site of Akrotiri has revealed advanced urban planning and some incredible frescoes. I have been to Akrotiri and was completely amazed by what has been uncovered. There are homes with many of the creature comforts we have today including the ancient version of indoor plumbing along with what was thought to be a bakery and some restored ancient pottery that was simply beautiful. One of the highlights of Santorini is the winery. Nothing seems to have changed since my last visit and the wine is as good as ever.
Once more, we said goodbye to Greece and were om to our last stop at Malta.
Time for cocktails and dinner.
I have nothing to report about Malta since I spent the day recovering from a sinus headache. This was only time I can remember not being able to function on a vacation. Jennifer went on a tour without me that included Limoncello and pastries. I’ll always regret missing that one. Malta has some of the oldest and mysterious archeological sites on the planet which I truly want to see. I will be back.
Malta was the last stop on this itinerary and our ship was arriving in Barcelona. We had made arrangements to stay for a few days since none of us had been there before. After experiencing Barcelona for just those few days, I have decided it is one of my favorite cities. Friendly people, amazing food, exciting nightlife and the most incredible things to see. If Barcelona is on your list of places to visit, the absolute must sees are Basilica Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell. Both the work of master architect Antoni Gaudi. The basilica has finally been completed after being under construction for 144 years. When we visited gigantic construction cranes were still there. This is an online photo showing the completed building. The interior is beyond words.
The other must see is Parc Guell also a Gaudi creation. The best way to describe it is enchanting. It reminded me of something you would see in Alice in Wonderland. The mosaic tile work on the walls is so unexpected in a park setting and everywhere there are reminders of Gaudi. As imposing as the basilica is, the park is its perfect counterpoint.
After sightseeing, we had planned to go back to our hotel and relax before dinner. Rose decided she did not have nearly enough time to investigate Barcelona’s shops. With her trusty scooter, she took off on her own and did some major sightseeing of the retail kind.
Of course, a visit to Spain would not be complete without a flamenco show.
Energetic doesn’t begin to describe these dancers. A night to remember. And so our our return to Greece ended on a high note when we landed in Barcelona. The time in Barcelona was the most unexpected happy surprise. I will definitely be back.
To go back to the beginning, the main purpose of this blog is to dispel any notion that having mobility issues or a handicap means you cannot or should not travel. All I can say is spend a day with Rose. You’ll need a vacation!
Next stop, Greenland. Seriously!