11/05/2021
Greece and the Greek Isles
Life is too short to let Covid 19 stop you from experiencing your best life. When I turned 40, I felt like it was the best time of my life. My kids were healthy and doing well and my husband and I had built a great family business of farming, I was part owner of a travel agency and enjoying the benefits of that. I have great family and friends and life just seemed perfect for the most part. When I turned 50, I cried, not because I was unhappy but because I knew I was now on the downward slope of my life and I still had not seen, done or accomplished most of what I wanted to do. My bucket list was a Barrel, a rather large barrel full of destinations to see and experience and I thought I was running out of time.
When Covid 19 struck in 2020, it stole a minimum of 18 months of my life that I will never get back. Soooo…. I decided if you can’t beat it learn to live with it, adapt get vaccinated and move forward trying to empty that barrel. That is exactly what I am going to do and have started to do beginning with Greece and a Greek Isles Cruise on the beautiful Norwegian Jade.
The Norwegian Jade itinerary included visits to the following islands: Crete, Mykonos, Rhodes, Katakalon, Corfu and Santorini. Flying into Athens 2 days prior to embarking the ship allowed me to adjust to the time change and explore several highlights of the city. The archaeological sites of the Acropolis, the National Gardens, The Temple of Zeus and The Panathinaikon Stadium were just a few of my must see’s. Athens is also a mecca for Culture and Food with many churches, museums and Food tours and small bistros. Food is very important to the locals and the Plakis area is full of lovely Bistros, pubs, bars and restaurants highlighting local favorites. Souvlaki, Moussaka, Tzatziki, Greek cheeses, and wines as well as many pastries can be enjoyed everywhere. There is nothing better than a Pistachio Gelato being enjoyed while people watching at a small table on a pedestrian walkway in Plakas, after some much needed retail therapy.
If you’re looking for the best and easiest way to get around the tourist area of Athens, I found the Hop On Hop Off bus is the most economical way and the best way to see the highlights and learn some history for this beautiful city. For this middle-aged traveler some of the stairs, climbing and stone and cobblestone streets were not easy to trek. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to get in your 10000 steps for the day. Safety was not a concern for me in Athens however there are homeless people and gypsies you will beg for money, and you will need to watch for pick pockets.
Finally, Embarkation Day has arrived and its time to get this party started. I will admit cruising is not for everyone but for me its my favorite way to travel. The Jade is a smaller ship and we only had 1400 passengers onboard so it made the cruise more intimate and you were able to meet and get to know more people.
Day one on board allowed us to explore the ship, unpack and enjoy some relax time before the cruise set sail in the evening. A balcony cabin is a must for me and although the cabin was not large it was adequate as you rarely spend much time in it but to sleep. Relaxing however at night on the balcony and the sound of the waves always put me to sleep so Balcony it is ALWAYS.
Dining on board was fantastic as usual despite the buffet area being adapted to follow Covid protocols. The French and the Steakhouse a la cartes were the 2 specialty dining choices I took advantage of for dining with my meal plan. Nothing like a great steak dinner after a long day at Cagney’s’ Steakhouse. Toward the end of the week, I had reservations at Le Bistro French Restaurant. Here I decided to try something new and ordered the Escargot as my appetizer. Nothing ventured nothing gained right? Once I got over the thought of what I was eating, they were actually quite good.
Lunch and breakfast by the pool or at the Garden Café always provided much to choose from in a very casual atmosphere. The place to be for a late- night snack after a few drinks and the shows was O’Sheehan’s Irish Pub. Warm pretzel bites with cheese sauce, chicken wings and French fries were the icing on the cake to end the day. O’Sheehan’s was also a wonderful breakfast spot for a hot American Breakfast.
If you decide to upscale your dining experience without visiting the A la Cartes the Grand Pacific Dining room and Alizar offered a full menu with a variety of meal choices and a semi formal atmosphere. I think it is safe to say that I did not lose any weight on this cruise and may have to go up a size in clothing.
The ship has many bars lounges and pubs to take advantage of while on board and my favorites were the Mojito and Martini bars. However, I did try the whiskey bar and the Wine and Champaign bar as well as take advantage of the pool bars on hot days to stay hydrated.
Entertainment on the ship I think compared to larger ones was a little more subdued but what they did have was excellent. The Stardust Theatre was the locale for evening shows such as Blazing Boots and Elements as well as a couple others. The Bliss lounge was usually a good spot to enjoy some Karaoke or listen to Justine Golan a piano playing comedian from Oshawa Canada who had the place in stitches. The traditional White Dance party on the pool deck on the Friday night was also a hit among young and old.
Although I enjoyed the ship it was not the reason for my trip, the itinerary Greece and the Greek Isles were what I came to see and experience. This destination has long been on my bucket list, and I am beyond grateful I was able to visit and experience it firsthand, it did not disappoint.
Stop One was to the island of Crete, the largest of the Greek Isles. Our port of call was in the Capital city of Heraklion. Heraklion not the most welcoming port locations, very industrial and lacking in the Greek charm I was expecting. The people and our local guide however were friendly and welcoming. The island is home to over 30 million Olive trees as well as many vineyards making it the perfect place to do a winetasting enjoy some of the local flavors.
Our second port of call took us to the Island of Mykonos. Mykonos is a small island with an area of only 85 square miles. It is all very dry and rocky with little rain or vegetation. Beautiful beaches are the main draw here with crystal blue water. A tour of a Greek Orthodox Monastery built dating back to the 16th Century, as well as stop at a Taverna for some Ouzo and Greek cheeses were the high- lites.
Rhodes was day 3 and it is the fourth largest of the Greek Isles. This historical town with an Old and New City were by far what made Rhodes one of my favorite islands. Rhodes Old town is surrounded by large stone Fort like walls that once provided protection against the Persians, Italians and the Romans who attacked trying to claim the Island as their own. This Old Town in Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site and the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The Grand Palace Tour was a marvel to behold and a recommended tour when visiting by cruise.
Day 4 saw us visiting the Island of Corfu. Corfu is located in the Ionian Sea and is known by its rugged landscapes and resort shorelines. Corfu is also known for its old fortress in Corfu Town and is a well-known tourist destination in the summer months. Corfu is a Gem that needs to be discovered and enjoyed for its Medieval history, monuments, churches, and the promenade for all your souvenir shopping needs as well as local products such as jewelry soaps, art olives, olive oils and wines.
Waking up Friday we arrived in the seaport of Katakalon of the Ancient Olympia. We decided to do the tour to Olympia, after all this is the home of start of Greek Mythology and the very first Olympiad. This large archaeological sit is the home to the statue of Zeus, the gymnasium, and the altar where the Olympic torch had been lit. Many excavated artifacts have been discovered here and impressively preserved. After our visit here we strolled the waterfront at the port of Katakolon and enjoyed Gelato and some browsing in the local shops.
Saturday saved the best for last. Santorini is the most beautiful island and a marvel of architecture as well as views to die for. This port was a tender from the ship to the docks where buses took us up the large mountainside to our Greek Celebration Tour. The road up the windy mountain road to the top of the island was hard on the nerves for a girl like me afraid of heights, but the views at the top were worth all the anxiety of the drive. Santorini is a very small island, only 76 square kms this island was formed into the island it is today by a volcanic eruption that happened in the 16th century BC
Known for its whitewashed buildings that cascade over the mountain with blue domed roofs make Santorini a sight to behold.
The towns of OIA pronounced (EA), Fira and Pyrgos are gems with expansive views of the Aegean Sea and charming markets and small narrow back streets with restaurants and tavernas.
The tour included a delicious meal at the Pyrgos restaurant to enjoy some local cuisine such as rice, pork, salads, tzatziki and desserts. Traditional Greek dancing and music were all high lites we enjoyed.
The 9 days spent exploring Greece and its Idyllic Islands was a treasure of memories, meeting new people and gaining new friends and learning some history. Greece did not disappoint and the 9 ½ hr. flight was worth it to check Greece off my Barrel list.
Covid 19 will not stop me from enjoying life and new destinations, and don’t let it stop you either. Please enjoy some of the many pictures I am including and until you can book your trip to Greece live vicariously through mine.
Enjoy,
Carolyn
