Cruising the Mediterranean

Early August 2009

I can’t wait to get started on my vacation this year. I shall be cruising the Eastern Mediterranean with a group of fellow travellers. We’ll arrive in Venice on August 22, one day before the ship sails so we’ll be spending about a day there. That will give us some time to explore the city a bit before going on to Split, Croatia; one day at sea; Athens, Greece; Istanbul, Turkey; the island of Mykonos, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; the island of Santorini, Greece; Katakalon, Greece; one day at sea and then back to Venice and straight on to London where members of the group will go in their various directions.

Thursday August 20
We leave today for the overnight in London and then on to Venice.
I had a million things to do but I left much of it in the capable hands of my friend Kathy who is a force of nature and can do whatever she puts her mind to. I left her a rather long list before I departed for the airport.

Friday August 21
We arrived in London today and checked into a rather humble B&B near Gatwick. Not impressive but manageable. After settling in, some of us ventured into town and shopped around a bit. My friend Sharon and I had a really delicious meal at an Italian restaurant in the town center. We leave tomorrow morning for Venice.

Saturday August 22
Arrived in Venice around midday and our transportation was there to pick us up. The drop off point was in what seemed to be a bus station. We were all alarmed but the driver, whose English was not very good, tried to explain that the hotel was a mere short walk across a small bridge that was just around a corner and within sight of the hotel. Some people started to panic because it seemed that we would have to lug our suitcases for some distance. The poor driver offered to show the way to those of us who were brave enough to start walking. We were pleasantly surprised to find that there was really no other way to reach the hotel except in this fashion and it was just a stone’s throw away from the bus station. Venice after all, is a city on water and I later found out that it was impossible to get around Venice without traversing some bridge or waterway.
The hotel Sofitel was rather impressive. It is located about 300 meters from Piazzale Roma and overlooks the Tolentini canal. The hotel’s rooms are tastefully decorated with 18th century furniture and very ‘luxurious’. Sharon and I shared a room and we thought we might not mind spending a few nights here. Very cozy!
We decided that as soon as we were settled, we would do what all or most visitors to Venice do when they visit – take a ride down the canal in a gondola. The group of 14 – including baby Gi-Gi who’s almost two years old, went down to the stand and arranged for a ride. We had to split up into two groups because the capacity for a gondola is somewhere between 6 and 8.
We were helped into our seats and the gondolier set off. I hoped that my photos would do justice to the sights I saw on the trip - beautiful architecture, lush patio gardens, outside eateries, bridges and more bridges. This trip took us down the Grand Canal or “Canalazzo”, the main thoroughfare of Venice.
We returned to the hotel, freshened up and decided to go out to eat. After that we made plans to see go down to St. Mark’s Square and see what other sights we could cram into the time available to us tomorrow.
Sunday August 23
Took a water taxi to St Mark's Square. Walked around the Square for a while and thought about visiting the Doges Palace but somehow managed to get lost on one of the cross streets. Did a bit of sightseeing and shopping and hurried back to take a water taxi back to the hotel where we checked out and headed to the ship for check in. The check-in process was long and tiring and I could't wait to take a much-needed nap. Well I did and missed the entire evening, including dinner. The next time I opened my eyes was in the middle of the night! We were well on our way to Split Croatia.