Thursday October 3, 2024
We're back! We enjoyed a relaxing day yesterday with no timelines (except when waiting for our laundry to be done) and just enjoyed hanging out on the ship.
One of the highlights yesterday was dinner at Manfredi's (the Italian restaurant onboard). The dinner was very good, and the dessert was delicious! Above is Carmello, one of the best desserts I have ever eaten. It was made with crispy laminated dough, fudge bites, vanilla gelato and hot caramel sauce. YUMMY!!!
Fun Facts: Greece
Since ancient times, many people wear jewelry representing the evil eye (blue circles) around their neck in order to cast off its influence. Also, the color blue that decorates the roofs of many Greek houses serves the purpose of warding off the evil in general.
Ancient Greeks had an unusual way of doing their laundry - They cleaned clothes with fat from sacrificed animals!
In Traditional Greek Weddings, the best man will shave the groom. This gesture happens on the day of the ceremony and symbolizes trust.
Today we took a beautiful drive south along the coast from Athens (Athena in Greek) to Cape Sounion. We are going to take you along on this scenic adventure through pictures. (Pictures by Karen)
We travelled from Athens down to the tip of the peninsula near Akrotirio.
Starting point: Port of Piraeus, outside of Athens, which is one of the largest ports in Europe, and the largest passenger port.
As we left the city we drove by a soccer/rugby stadium, called Peace and Friendship Stadium, that the locals call the tortilla. Can you see why??
Scenic coastline views. We saw a rocky coastline, with beautiful clear blue water, small towns along the way, and several nice harbors.
Along the way we passed a Fish Farm where they raise Sea Bass.
Our destination was The Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion.
As we traveled back to town we saw some interesting buildings:
Many homes and businesses have solar hot water heaters on their roof. These cylindrical metal containers are attached to a solar panel to save energy used to heat water in the building or home.
One of the few round Catholic Churches in Greece/Europe.
A roadside shrine erected at the site of an accident, whether someone died, or everyone survived. The little shrines have small icons and a candle inside so people can come by to pray there.
Other interesting architecture or scenes.
Tomorrow we return to Ephesus! Our excursion includes a visit to the home of the most famous woman in biblical history....do you know who that is???? Details in tomorrow's blog!
Thank you for joining us on our travel adventures! Your participation and comments mean the world to us when we are away from home!
Great photos as always. Did you get the recipe for that dessert? Also I’m no was that San Diego does not have a tortilla shaped stadium. Missed opportunity.
Great coastal scenery. Kinda reminds me of toll road coastal to Ensenada. Italian restaurat dessert looks like smashed baklava. Bet it was yummy.
Glad you are keeping up with pups back home