Mediterranean Jewels

11June
Docked in Kusadasi, Turkey from 8am to 11pm. Because
of customs laws, time in port the shops are closed so we
normally do not have to work. With our itinerary this summer,
we might only be working about 30 to 35 hours per week.
Kusadasi is a relatively modern town with few relics.
The streets are filled with shops and more shops.
Every time you go by a shop the vendors block your way.
Just imagine hundreds of shops with all the vendors lined up.
It's pretty crazy.
After walking around the bazaars we found a free internet
connection by Burger King of all places. Later when we returned
to the ship we went to a movie on board and then went to a
show featuring Jon Courtenay a comedian and pianist.
It was a very good show.

12 June
Docked in Mykonos, Greece from 8am to 5pm.
Mykonos is a beautiful quiet village on the Aegean Sea.
The buildings are white-washed with blue trim (the colors
of the Greek flag). Had lunch (crepes and Greek coffee) at
the Veranda Cafe overlooking the sea, yachts and windmills.
As we learn about live on-board we found out that at certain
times they bring down leftover food from the guest lido buffet to
the crew mess. Lots of ins and outs to learn.
That evening worked from 5pm until 11pm while the ship
was sailing to our next port Piraeus. Two of the "shoppies"
were leaving for home the next day, so joined them for a
farewell, first in the "O-Bar" (officers bar), then afterwards in
the crew bar.

13 June
Docked at Piraeus at 1am. We had IPM (in-port manning)
that day so we were unable to leave the ship. On a
rotating basis 25% of the crew has to stay on-board for
emergencies. Piraeus is the port gateway to Athens.
This was disembarkation/embarkation day for guests.
We also had duty to escort arriving guests to their
staterooms for 4 hours in the afternoon. The Serenity
sailed at midnight - shops closed all night.

14 June
Anchored at Navplion, Greece. Navplion is a relaxed
town with a lot of parks, picturesque streets and outdoor
cafes. Above the town is the Palamidi Fortress. It's about
1000 steps to the top, and just as many coming down.
This afternoon we spent some of our time in the store room
keeping current on the inventory and making sure everything
is organized. Then in the shops again from 5p-11p.

15 June
Anchored off Santorini, Greece
Escorted tours today - Panoramas of Santorini .
We helped as crew to escort tours today. While we
were on the same tour, we were escorting on
different buses - but we were still able to connect
up at all the stops. Stopped at the Monastery of the
Prophet Elijah which is the highest point on Santorini.
The views were unbelievable. There was a rising fog,
part of the island was shrouded in the mist. Then
continued to the town of Oia (pronounced ee-ah).
Another village hanging on a cliff. It is amazing.
Every corner you turn there's another beautiful view.
From there we went to the Antoniou Winery for lunch of
some traditional Greek dishes. Especially good was a
mashed white eggplant grown on the island, a tomato
salad with "santorinis" which are small local tomatoes,
and of course the baklava for dessert. After arriving
back in Fira decided to walk the 589 steps down to the
tenders again. There were 4 ships in port and there was
a 2 hour wait to take the cable-car. No thanks!
Saw comedian in the Galaxy Theater then worked
from 10pm to midnight.

Til next time............