Day 3: At Sea- Olympics

On day 3, we were at sea for the day traveling to Turkey. To pass the time and enjoy the weather we decided to have little Olympics. Involved were rock climbing, mini golf, and shuffle board. We had a blast and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. I had a first and possibly a last that day. I was able to somehow overcome my fear of heights and climb to the top of the wall. I was shaking the whole way up and when I reached the bottom I was shaking so bad I was unable to stand. I am sure I could do it again but probably won't go out of my way to do it.
That night was also our first formal night. We all got to dress up and have an amazing dinner together.

Playing shuffle board

Paul, Jake, and Owen playing shuffle board

Owen on the mini golf course

Me after climbing the wall

Owen climbing the wall

Formal night (Captain's Welcome aboard reception)

Formal night sunset
Dinner on formal night
all of us together
top to bottom:
Dan and Meg, Jake and Courtney, Owen and I, Paul and Christina, Jake and Sarina

all of us again

Day 4: Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

On day 4 we ported in Kusadasi, Turkey. Here we did an excursion (tour) with the cruise. It took us to Ephesus where we saw the house where the Virgin Mary is said to have lived. We saw the open air museum, the Archeological Museum of Ephesus and the Basilica of St. John. All these places were just amazing.

View of Kusadasi, Turkey

Kusadasi, Turkey

Turkey's flag

St. John's Basilica

Open air Museum- theatre

Mary's House

getting Holy water

baptism pool at Mary's houseshow performed at the air museum

Day 5: Santorini, Greece

On day 5 we did an excursion in Santorini, Greece. We toured Erinia Cove and walked the volcanic island of Nea Kameni. Then we went and swam in the thermal springs of Palea Kameni. The springs were not that warm about 60 degrees and we all came out salty and brown but it was a great time. After touring the volcano and springs we got to go out and explore Santorini on our own. We went and had lunch at a Greek restaurant and I had my first real Greek Salad. It was pretty darn good and I don't think I could find one to match it. The city was full of shops and the views were absolutely fabulous.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Thermal Springs

View of Santorini from the volcano island

on the volcano island

Owen and Dan Hewes

Day 6: Corfu, Greece

On day six we ported at Corfu, Greece. We rented a couple of cars and drove around the island. We visited the Achilleion Palace in Paleokastritsa. It is a palace built by Empress Elizabeth of Austria in 1891. It was beautiful. We got to play in the water and just see how wonderful the area is.

Sunset out of Corfu

On the beach in Corfu

Achilleion Palace court yard

Panoramic view of Corfu

Corfu from the ship as we depart