Mediterranean Cruise: Part VII

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 {Santorini, Greece}

- There are three ways to get to the top of the island: take the gondola lift, walk, or ride a donkey. Which one do you think we did?!

- I'm pretty sure my donkey was drunk because he kept running into walls and other donkeys. As a result I got a lot of bruises and scrapes all over my legs! Heidi enjoyed the experience (she had a well behaved donkey), I did not.

- We decided not to do an organized tour but instead did some intense shopping and explored the gorgeous city.

- We made our way to the top of the city and found the famous blue church that we were searching for.

- Then we headed back into the city to do some more shopping and exploring.

- I had to buy a bag because I bought so many souvenirs!

- As the ship was leaving the caldera, we stood up on deck and took pictures of the amazing scenery.

Mediterranean Cruise: Part VI

Monday, May 30, 2011 {Ephesus, Turkey}

- First stop: House of the Virgin Mary. This is where Virgin Mary is believed to have spent the last years of her life. It is believed that Jesus asked John to take care of his mother after he died so John took Mary here and kept her hidden.

[The sacred house where the Virgin Mary lived]

[Me getting water at the fresh water spring by the house]

- After visiting the sacred site we headed to Ephesus. This ancient city used to be an important port city until it was abandoned in 700 AD. Since then the city has been destroyed by earthquakes and was completely buried before excavations started. Excavations have been going on here for over 100 years and only 15 percent of the city is revealed!

[The symbol for medicine]

[Temple of Hadrian]

[Public toilets. The men used to come here to do their business while they talked with other people about politics and news]

[Nike]

[The famous Library of Celsus]

[The Theatre]

- Ephesus was one of the most spectacular sites I have ever been to. As Heidi and I were walking around the area we were in shock! I wish we could have spent more time here but, alas, we had to head back to the ship so we could head to Santorini!

Mediterranean Cruise: Part V

Sunday, May 29, 2011 {Mykonos, Greece}

- We arrived in Mykonos!

- Met our gorgeous tour guide, Constantine, and then took a ferry to Delos.

- Explored the ancient city. Only about 10 percent of the city is excavated so there is much to discover and learn.

- Took the ferry ride back to Mykonos, walked along the sea, got gelatos, and headed back to the ship.