Today was a jam packed day in a very large metropolitan city... started at the Blue Mosque, then the Hiya Sophia, the Sultan's palace, (which included the Harem.. ), lunch at the Four Seasons hotel that was converted from a prison, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Market and finally back to the ship for a concert with one of the top 5 cellists in the world and his wife, a concert pianist.
The highlight of the day (for Melany) was seeing Melanie (who never has met a stranger) make friends with a woman in a full burka... she was covered completely except eyes and hands... and I witnessed this special encounter ... the two made eye contact, then the other woman smiled with her eyes and gave the cutest wave and Melanie's waving back and smiling, too... It was truly amazing thing to witness and it is the highlight of my trip.
More to follow tomorrow...
Love, Melanie and Melany
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Troy
We are in Turkey. Today we took an excursion to the ancient city of Troy and saw 9 layers of civilization, one on top of each other. Lots of history and saw a replica of the Trojan horse with photo op. Unfortunately, the computer on the ship only has internet, and no way to download pics.
We just finished the captain's dinner and have been standing outside watching a lightening show in the far distance. It's a lovely evening.
Looking forward to seeing Istanbul, a town of reportedly 12 million... yikes... We are going to the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar to hone our bargaining skills, the spice market, and a couple of other famous sites that I can't remember at the moment... the wine was good.
Ok... mimi's dragging me off to bed now... we have to be up bright and early to see the arrival into Istanbul.
So, farewell until we meet again.. long day tomorrow.
Love to all,
Melanie and Melany
We just finished the captain's dinner and have been standing outside watching a lightening show in the far distance. It's a lovely evening.
Looking forward to seeing Istanbul, a town of reportedly 12 million... yikes... We are going to the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar to hone our bargaining skills, the spice market, and a couple of other famous sites that I can't remember at the moment... the wine was good.
Ok... mimi's dragging me off to bed now... we have to be up bright and early to see the arrival into Istanbul.
So, farewell until we meet again.. long day tomorrow.
Love to all,
Melanie and Melany
Ship at Sea- The Agean
I am having some technical difficulty with posting pictures... more to come when I figure out the glitch. We took so many yesterday and we are very anxious to share them with you.
Today we enjoyed a great breakfast, heard two lectures from a young professor from University of Cinncinati who is an expert in archeology about the basics of Greek history and then about basic Troy facts.
We are sailing right now into the Dardanaelles (sp?) which is a narrow passage way into Turkey. We have learned so much about this important World War I location. It's so exciting and there is excitement in the air!
The two M's are very sore from all the walking yesterday and the tossing about in the ship. We are located low in the ship and feel every wave. We slept very well, rocked about like babies. But sore. :)
My poached eggs this morning... I must say... they were so fresh and perfect. The golden yellow color was so rich compared to the eggs we get at home. Everything is fresher, tastier, and simply delicious.
Weather is sunny, the water is navy blue right now, and sparkly. We are listening to the concert pianist practice for a later concert... and we are looking forward to hearing members of the Lincoln Center Symphony perform here. I think I heard they will perform 3 times. One group is here as "fans" of the Center and are very thrilled to be travelling with them.
Lunch is soon, and then we disembark to tour Troy. We will take pictures of the Trojan horse from the movie and a replica of the original.
Please write us! We very much look forward to hearing from family and friends and long for words from home...
Love to all,
Hugs and kisses,
Melany & Melanie
Today we enjoyed a great breakfast, heard two lectures from a young professor from University of Cinncinati who is an expert in archeology about the basics of Greek history and then about basic Troy facts.
We are sailing right now into the Dardanaelles (sp?) which is a narrow passage way into Turkey. We have learned so much about this important World War I location. It's so exciting and there is excitement in the air!
The two M's are very sore from all the walking yesterday and the tossing about in the ship. We are located low in the ship and feel every wave. We slept very well, rocked about like babies. But sore. :)
My poached eggs this morning... I must say... they were so fresh and perfect. The golden yellow color was so rich compared to the eggs we get at home. Everything is fresher, tastier, and simply delicious.
Weather is sunny, the water is navy blue right now, and sparkly. We are listening to the concert pianist practice for a later concert... and we are looking forward to hearing members of the Lincoln Center Symphony perform here. I think I heard they will perform 3 times. One group is here as "fans" of the Center and are very thrilled to be travelling with them.
Lunch is soon, and then we disembark to tour Troy. We will take pictures of the Trojan horse from the movie and a replica of the original.
Please write us! We very much look forward to hearing from family and friends and long for words from home...
Love to all,
Hugs and kisses,
Melany & Melanie
Saturday, June 19, 2010
A day in Athens!
We started the day with a fantastic brunch of everything imaginable... then headed off to the big hike up to the Acropolis, Parthenon, Athena's temple, and the outdoor theatre where they put on plays and dramas....
Then, we walked to the brand new Acropolis museum, and boy was it spectacular... it's the newest thing in museumology (?) where the entire museum is showcasing artifacts and "blank spaces" where the pieces in the British Museum (that they stole) will someday return to their homeland, Greece. From being able to see the excavation in the see through floor, to the glass wall with the view of the Acropolis and the lighting above, this is a museum that's unbelievable and amazing.
Then... lunch... Michelle, we had authentic Greek salad in Greece and it's much better than Texas.
Then off to the archeological museum and saw a complete statue of Poseidon found in the ocean bed. Fabulous!
Then.... whew... headed 0ff to the ship, haven't stopped or unpacked yet... had red snapper for dinner, among other many delicious dishes... hearing piano right now... should we unpack??? Oh, ok... gotta go,
Love to you ALL
Melanie and Melany
P.S. Having the time of our life!
Plaka at night
Last night we went to Plaka (flea market, Tavernas, tourist trap...) and saw churches, the Acropolis at night, the Agora (where the word agoraphobia comes from, now we know), we saw lots of Greek graffiti... so sad. Also lots of stray doggies...:-( I want to take them all home and love them.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Melanie's in shoe heaven
Shoes everywhere! Lots of stylish shops and fashion shows and just about everything a woman needs. Very modern place surrounded by very old buildings.
Hotel
Our hotel is in this building. We went walking after dinner to "Plaka" and a shopping district. Melanie pooped out, and Melany went back out and caught a few pics with things lit up, including the changing of the guard. Yes, Sandy, I figured out the IPhone thing. My children would be proud. I think we will be able to update with no problem. No riots, but the subway system is on strike right now.
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