Ancient Ruins

16 June 2007
Docked in Kusadasi, Turkey from 8am - 12m
yeah!!!!!!!!!!....stores closed all day.
Escorted tours to House of Mary where it is said that the
Virgin Mary spent her final days. Today it's a religous shrine
that the many Pope's have visited. Also visited St. John's
Basilica, one of the churches of Asia Minor. Had a
Countryside Lunch at a turkish rug wholesaler. Learned
about the handmade production of rugs and how they get
their silk. Of course we had the opportunity to buy one but
decided not to. The big destination of the day was Ephesus.
This is are huge ruins which are really beyond description.
Over the years there have been 6 Ephesus cities because of
retreating sea. The Ephesus we visited was the 3rd. The
ruins included a huge theatre that seated 25,000 people, a
library, many temples, a bordelo, bath house, public toilet,
columns, and statues. That night stayed on-board, caught a
movie in the Hollywood theatre and crashed.

17 June 2007
Docked in Mykonos, Greece from 8am - 5pm
Escorted tours to the Sacred Island of Delos, which is an one of
the Cyclades Islands. After 1/2 hour ferry ride toured ruins from
from 7th century B.C. to the 3rd century A.D. The statues that
have been excavated were beautiful. It gives you a new
appreciation for Greek art and architecture.
Stores open from 5pm - 11pm.

18 June 2007
At Sea - stores open from 9am - 9pm. It's a very long day!
Since we've been closed most of this cruise because we've
been in port everyday we were very busy and the day went
pretty quickly. At least we had a break for environmental
and first aid training. Went to "Curtain Call" production show
in Galaxy Theatre at night - the productions are all really good.

19 June 2007
Anchored in Sorrento, Italy
Today we are IPM (in-port manning) so had to stay on the ship.
Also, crew safety drill this morning. Since staying on board,
worked in stores to get ready for big delivery tomorrow.
However, the view from the ship was breath-taking. City is built
on huge cliffs. We'll be returning again this summer, we'll be
able to go ashore then. Working tonight 6pm - 11pm.

Til we write again!!!!!