Destination: Split

Split was, like Corfu, a pleasant surprise.  The beach wasn’t too nice, but the city was adorable and amazing. They even have a huge statue of Merlin!

 

Destination: Corfu

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Corfu.  I hadn’t heard of it before we researched the trip, so I had no idea why we were visiting the place.  Turns out that it’s a beautiful Greek island – but very different from, say, Mykonos or Santorini.  Although the towns on Corfu aren’t as charming, the people are nice, there’s plenty to do, the food is good, and the scenery is outstanding. 

Destination: Mykonos

Mykonos was, hands down, my favorite port we visited on our cruise last year.  Thank goodness!  My desire to visit the island, and it’s little sister, Delos, were what prompted the whole cruise in the first place.  See, back in the early 1990s, I was a huge Christopher Pike fan, and the setting of The Immortal really spoke to me.  Since Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas was one of a relatively small number ships stopping in Mykonos, that’s how “we” came to choose that itinerary.  Now on to pictures and potentially useful information!

Destination: Olympia

Like Athens, I think of Olympia as another one of those must-see places in Greece.  I was thrilled that our itinerary included a stop at nearby Katakolon.

Destination: Athens

Athens is the gateway to Greece.  Although it’s not the best of Greece in my opinion, it’s still a must-see.  I agree with Rick Steves – see the main sites here and get out.  We had what amounted to just half a day in Athens on our cruise, so I’ll share with you what I learned from that perspective. 

Destination: Venice

Venice was a dream.  Have you been?  If not, put it on your list and start working towards it.  If so, are you longing to go back?  Although it was rainy and chilly for our visit, I loved it.  It was just beautiful.  The water looked as fake as I expected.

 

My upcoming travel plans

I can’t help myself.  I haven’t really even begun sharing all the tips from our last cruise with you, and I’m already working on more trips.  Actually, I’m thinking about my next FOUR trips!  lol

Destination: Amsterdam

I’m ashamed.  I’ve been back for nearly 6 months now and haven’t completed my “destination” posts from our Europe trip this past summer.  I swear I won’t take so long in the future.  Anyway, here goes.  First up – Amsterdam.  I’ve wanted to go to Amsterdam since whatever age I read The Diary of Anne Frank (probably 3rd or 4th grade I imagine).  On our way from Raleigh to Venice, we had to have at least one or two layovers.  Most of the cheapest flights connected twice – once in the US and then once in Europe.  I noticed several going through Amsterdam, so I chose a flight that gave us about 11 hours in Amsterdam. 

Rick Steves: Sightseeing as citizens of the world

CNN recently published an article by Rick Steves – Sightseeing as citizens of the world.  In this article, Rick talks about how he really appreciated his 1999 visit to the Reichstag in Berlin because of his knowledge of history.  While many tourists were worried about their camera batteries and cheerfully enjoying the view, Rick was able to appreciate the emotion of the Germans as they remembered WWII and the suffering during the Cold War and appreciated their freedom.

Walk on the wild side

I can subject myself to lounging by a pool or on a beach for a maximum time of about two hours.  And usually I have to get up to take several walks during those two hours.  I’m just not good at “relaxing” on my vacations.  I’ve taken the time away from work and home to DO something!  Ben Groundwater posted to the travel blog on the Sydney Morning Herald about some truly wild ideas for what to do on your next vacation.  Here’s a sampling:

Eat a still-beating cobra’s heart in Vietnam
As famously demonstrated by Anthony Bourdain in one of his first shows, this is culinary joy at its most gruesome. After the snake is skinned front of you, you’re presented with what looks like a bloody, pulsating oyster. Bon appetite.
…
Watch elephant polo in Thailand
Fast-paced it ain’t, but it’s a sight you’ll never forget: huge lumbering beasts being urged around the polo field by riders in a highly competitive match. Amazing.

Dive to the centre of the Earth
As incredible as in sounds, in Iceland you can actually dive through a gap in the Earth’s tectonic plates, giving you a front-row seat to the centre of the planet. Another one for the dinner party collection.

That’s right folks – now I have another reason to think highly of Iceland.    Head on over to Ben’s post to read the rest of the list (and the comments).  It’s worth the trip.