A fair warning, this will most likely be the longest post that I will ever write with an overload of pictures, so get a cup of tee, sit back, and enjoy our crazy adventure.
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I have been wanting to a cruise ever since we got our assignment to Germany. The first year and a half was crazy with getting the right residence cards for Germany and the US since I am not an American citizen, that travelling took the back burner for a little bit. It was not long after that I a got pregnant with Ian, and the clauses for pregnant ladies on cruises are a little iffy that I didn't want to risk getting turned around when trying to board the ship, then Nate deployed, I got pregnant with Hayleigh, we had a ton of family and friends visit who all wanted to do something, and so we entered our last year and a half. Well then we decided to separate from the military and that cut our time and half, so we decided to just do it. We will most likely never be able to do it again, so we decided to take the leap and do it. I am so happy we did..
We had an adventure, and add the kids to the mix and the adventure doubled with the good, bad, and the ugly. This is the first time in our travel history that my children drove me up the walls, that Nate and I look at each other defeated, and resorted to lots of coffee, tea, and desserts in the cafeteria are of the ship, cakes make everything better! With that, I do realize that little people are little people and they develop, and grow, and have personalities, and that you can't stick them in perfectly wrapped box, because they will break out. I decided to embrace and laugh over hoe ridiculous they really were, and to share the beauty of our trip. I just wanted to make sure everyone knows that everything is not rainbows and unicorns in the Cook house, and that I do mess up and under plan, like in the case of the shortage of diapers on the ship. We are all human, but I will try my best to smile through it.
We used every form of transportation possible, walking, flying, bus, taxi, car, boat, bus, ship, donkey, and train. How fun is that, I think the transportation part of the trip was Ian's favourite part, I mean what little boy doesn't like things that move?
So here we go.
Bari, Italy
We spent a couple of days in Bari, and explored this little coastal town and it's surroundings. I am completely in love with Italy, and in my opinion it is one of the most beautiful countries ever. It looks exactly like pictures portray it, no false illusions. Cool fact about Bari, it is the final resting place of St. Nicolas. His remains are nicely wrapped up in a box in the Cathedral. Oh and fresh sea food everywhere. Oh, and gelato is of course a must in every Italian city you visit.
Alberolbello, Italy
We gather all our information on the fly and manged to get catch a bus to this interesting little village. An hour and forty five minutes later we set foot in a serene and tranquil little village filled with the funnest and most interesting little stores in these little huts. It was hot and we were miserable but managed to survive and explore and discover.
Trani, Italy
I found random information about another little coastal town about 30 minutes by train from Bari. It has nothing special or renown, but it was beautiful, laid back, and just a nice place to take a little walk. It was not so busy, so the kids could roam freely with us, and we didn't have to be worried that they are in the way of the hustle and bustle.
Boarding our cruise ship,
We did it we managed to board our ship on time. We dragged two kids and four back packs half way across town, in the scorching heat, because it can't really be that far right? Let's just say you have the pristine and perfectly dressed people with make up caked on and designer clothes with high heels, who look like something from a fashion magazine, not a drop of sweat on their brow in the 33 Celsius weather. And then you have the Cooks, we arrived drenched in sweat, shirts completely soaked, Ian barely able to stand up from the long walk, Hayleigh screaming her head of because she is so tired but it too hot to sleep {she finally fell asleep in the stroller}, and most of the people just stared at us wide eyed because we could barely catch our breaths. Did I mention what all we dragged half way across town. I am pretty sure the majority of people thought who the heck are these people and how on earth did they mange to get in on this cruise? I am really bummed that I didn't cough up the five bucks and bought our welcome to your cruise picture that they took of us, it would have been a classic. But we made it, and our real adventure is about to begin.
Katakolon & Ancient Olympia, Greece.
Katakolon is just a small port, but it is the gateway to Ancient Olympia from a cruise ship. A 40 minute bus ride and you enter Ancient Olympia, the ancient site of the original Olympics. Olympia is a magical place rich with history, nestled in among green and shady groves of pine tree. It is always harder to mange to read all the sign posts and take your time in places like this with kids. But we did the best that would could and managed to see everything in the ruins. A lot of the ruins look the same to me, but thanks to our travel guide book, we were able to distinguished all the ancient sides, with a little added paragraph of history. We discovered all the ancient customs and religion, as well as the history of the original Olympics. We saw the following in the Sanctuary of Olympia: Kronos Hill - it was considered to be the birth place of Zeus, Gymnasium - this is where the athletes trained and lived during the games, almost like today's Olympic Village, Palestra - it was adjoined to the gymnasium but smaller, a wrestling school, workshop of Pheidias - this was the sculptor's work place and where he created the 40-foot statue of Zeus, that once stood across the street in the Temple of Zeus, Temple of Zeus - this was the center of ancient Olympia, the temple was massive physically and symbolically. He was the king of the gods, and the patron on the Games. The winner's circle is on the east side and it is here that the winners of the Olympic Games were announced and crowned. The winner was crowned with only a olive branch wreath and that was it, second and third place received nothing, and there were no gold, silver or bronze medals. The pillar of Nike stood on the right hand side. Nike was the personification of Victory. The Echo Hall was a very long hall were the winners were announced and it echoed down the hall like a microphone. Bases of Zane {also know as the cheaters Statues} and Row of Treasuries - At the ancient Olympic games there were no losers, only cheaters and quitters. There were 16 pedestals that held bronze statutes of Zeus. It was paid for with the fines that were levied on cheaters. Their names and ill deeds were inscribed on the bases. People would spit on theses statutes as they entered the stadium. The offenses ranged from taking forbidden herbs, drinking blood (Red Bull of the day) bribery, failing to train, and quitting out of cowardice. Oaths before the games to not cheat were held very sacred. The Rows of Treasuries held very expensive sacrifices and offerings to the gods. Krypti - the athletes entrance to the stadium. The Stadium - the original staring block is still visible today. The stadium track is 192 meters or 640 feet from the start to finish line. Metroon (Temple of Gaia) and Site of the Altar of Zeus - The Metroon was dedicated to the mother of the gods. The Alter of Zeus is somewhere in the same vicinity but no longer visible. Here they slaughter and sacrificed animals to the gods, sometimes leaving a pile of 25 feet high pile of ash. Nymphaeum - A curved fountain that served as a water source in the heat and water channeling though out the sanctuary. Alter of Hera - This is were they light (till today) the Olympic torch. Temple of Hera - Oldest structure on the site and in honor of the goddess Hera, wife of Zeus. Woman didn't compete in the Olympic games but every four year they would compete in the Heraean Games. Philippeion - announces a new era in Greece. Prytaneion once housed the eternal Olympic flame.
I thought it was the coolest thing, and I so happy that I got to see it all in real life. The kids had a blast walking between all the ruins (Hayleigh slept for the first half), they could run, touch, and go somewhat crazy. The funnest past was letting them run in the original stadium from beginning to the end point, to release some of their build up energy.
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| Kronos Hill. |
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| Gymnasium. |
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| Palestra. |
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| Workshop of Pheidias. |
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| Ian and his lizard friend. |
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| Temple of Zeus. |
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| Winners circle. |
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| Pillar of Nike. |
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| Krypti. |
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| Starting line in the stadium. |
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| Cheaters Statues. |
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| Nymphaeum.. |
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| Temple of Hera. |
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| Philippeion. |
Santorini, Greece.
Santorini is a flooded collapsed volanic crater, with long and steep arc cliffs. It is a thousand feet above sea level. It is also sometimes referred to as The Devil's Island. Santorini is also believed to have been the inspiration for the tales of Atlantis. Fira is the island's main town, while Oia is the scenic side of the island.
I have always wanted to visit Santorini, and while is it gorgeous, it is nothing like portrayed on pictures. We did have fun, and I think this was one of the kids highlights of the trip, when in Santorini, you have to ride a donkey, and that is what we did (instead of climbing 584 steps to the top of the cliff in Fira.) The donkey ride is also not what we expected our story will have me laughing for years to come, and sadly I could not capture any photos going up since I had both kids with me. Our story...
We decided it would be a great idea to ride a donkey. Nate is placed on a donkey with a backpack and the little umbrella stroller folded up, and before we can derive a plan the man smacks the donkey on the butt and off the go (no warning, no nothing) that leaves little miss me with two kids and my camera. I first argued with the Greek man that Ian will no be going up a hill on a donkey by himself and lucky some other South African travelers came to my aid. I am so grateful for my baby carrier, so with Hayleigh strapped to my back and Ian sitting in front of me, holding on for dear life, we are off. The donkey gets tapped on the butt, and takes off. I have never been so scared and happy at the same time. It was so hilarious - Ian thought it was the coolest thing and all I am reciting out loud is hold on tight, because she my donkey LOVED walking in the edge of the cliff. That was nerve wrecking! Thanks to my random South African companions, I stayed calm and smiled the entire time, trying to keep Hayleigh calm and interacting with Ian. Nate's donkey was so gentle and calm walking along leading the way, not my baby, she was wild. Stopping randomly what seemed for hours, and then taking of like a bat out of hell. I haven't laughed that much in while, mostly at Ian - who thought it was the coolest thing ever, and has since found his new favourite animal. I have some tacky pictures that I ended up buying for a couple of euros from the donkey owners (I need to scan them in) since I was unable to take some myself. There was no way I was going to get go of that donkey to snap away, Ian also made sure to tell everyone that his mama is scared of the edge. Oh, the kids and I were of course the laughter of the walk way since evry single person we passed climbing the steps took pictures of the crazy person with two kids on one donkey - I mean seriously who does that?
We spend the day strolling around Santorini, in the scorching heat, admiring the view, the food, and all the other tourist. I am so happy this little dream of mine came true. It was a wonderful experience.
Oh, and I also forgot to mention that most people for Asia was completely into my kids, and people taking pictures of us with them become so normal, we were taking a break and this one older lady totally got both kids to take pictures with her on her phone, and she loved showing them all the pictures they took together. It was so funny.
Athens, Greece.
We loved Athens, and all the history that goes with it. We walked the city flat, hitting up all the major points, and learning so much. We followed our travel book guide's self-guiding walking tour, and managed to see everything in a few hours. We walked in Syntagma Square - this is the cities central stop, and it leads to everything. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - the marked slab of marble is in front of The Parliament Building and inspired by statues of ancient Greek warriors. The tomb is guarded by evzone, and elite infantry unit in the Greek army. Ermou Street - for strolling along shops, Church of Kapnikarea - this a Byzanite Church, it was named for the tax on the cloth merchant that once lined the square, Cathedral Mitropolis - this is the head church of the Greek Orthodox faith, Church of Agios Eleftherios - this church was use by the archbishops of Athens after the Ottomans evicted them from the church in the Parthenon.
The Old City was another fun exploration. Adrianou Street - fun for browsing and shopping for great Greek souvenirs and interacting with the locals. Arch of Hadrian - this arch represented the line between the ancient city and the new Roman city, created by Roman emperor Hadrian, Temple of Olympian Zeus - this was the largest temple in ancient Greece and took almost 700 years to finish. Monastiraki Square - there was a fun little flea market and farmers market going.
My favourite part of Athens was Ancient Agora and The Acropolis. I will start with Ancient Agora. Ancient Agora was the gather place in ancient Greece, always busy and alive. It is crazy to to think that people like Socrates, Plate, Aristotle, and even the Apostle Paul hung out here at some point of time Even though little survived and it mostly ruins, it was uncrowded and interesting. Stoa of Attalos - ancient shopping mall, Corinthian Capital - this marked the center of Agora, and stood atop a colossal column, Great Drain - ditch channels that collects rainwater, they still function today, Tholos - housed Athen's rulers, Temple of Hephaistos - this temple had large broze statues of Hephaistos, and Athena in it, Statue of Hadrian - he as the first Roman emperor to wear a beard and benefactor in Athens, Statue of Agrippa - these statues was lined in font of the theater, they were the center pieces of the Agora during the Roman era, Panathenaic Way - main street of Athens, Post Herulian Wall - marked the beginning of the end of classical Athens when Herulains burned most of Agora to the ground, leaving it in ashes, Church of the Holy Apostles - this little church marks Agora's revival, and commemorates the Apostle Paul's teachings in Agora.
The Acropolis, is a lasting testament of the Golden Age in Athens. The Acropolis is flat limestone ridge of about seven acres that is scattered with ruins. When Persian invaded Greece in 480 B.C. they burned all the temples atop the Acropolis to the ground. Odeon of Herodes Atticus - a theater for musical performances, The Propylaea - the grandest gate entrance to the Acropolis, Temple of Athena Nike - the Acropolis was mainly dedicated to the goddess Athena, and she was being worshiped for bringing the Athenians victory, Monument of Agrippa - is now an empty pedestal but this is were each new ruler pulled their mark on the Acropolis with a statue of some kind, Beule Gate - this gate was the offical entrance to the Acropolis during the Roman times, Statue of Athena Promachos - visitors would have come face to face with the 30-foot statue of the goddess of the city. She was the patron of the city, and worshiped for her wisdom, purity, and strength, the Parthenon - was the finest temple in the ancient world, Erechtheion - was smaller then the Parthenon more more prestigious, the layout accommodates the worship of various god. Like the legend of Athena and Poseidon, even though she won, the crack separates the cella, so that both gods can be worshipped side by side,
My favorite part about Athens, is Mars Hill. Situated at the foot of the Acropolis and over looking The Ancient Agora, The Apostle Paul preached her to the Athenians after he had seen the alter to the "unknown god," probably inside the Agora. There is a plaque embedded in the rock with Paul's speech in Greek. Paul only received a couple of converts including Dionysus the Areopagite, a local judge and the namesake of the pedestrian drag behind the Acropolis. From here he moved on to Corinth. Seriously, how cool is that? We loved it.
Athens was by far our favourite stop.
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| Arch of Hadrian. |
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| Odeon of Herodes Atticus. |
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| The Prpylaea and the Monument of Agrippa. |
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| Erechtheion. |
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| The Parthenon. |
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| The Greek flag. |
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| Mars Hill. |
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| The Panathenaic Way. |
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| Church of the Holy Apostles. |
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| Corinthian Capital. |
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| Altar to Zeus. |
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| Temple of Hephaitos. |
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| The Acropolis and Mars Hill is in the background. |
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| Odeon of Agrippa. |
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| Monastiraki Square. |
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| Parliament. |
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| Tomb of the Unknown soldier. |
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| Temple of Olympian Zeus. |
Corfu, Greece.
Corfu is one of the Ionian island. Is one of the biggest Northern island, and thank goodness, it is green. I missed that since all the other island were more desolate . This island is also believed to be the inspiration for Shakespeare's The Tempest.
We spend the day exploring the old town, by that I mean we just walked and browsed all the little stores. It was a much needed relaxing day after days of walking very much and very far to take in rich history.
It was extremely hot, so we had a pit stop at a fish spa, yes you heard that right. We loved it, even Ian, and I am so shocked that he willingly participate and didn't freak out when little fishies kiss his feet. It is said that the fish eat all the dry skin and cells from your feet, I have no idea if it is true but it felt great [after you get use to the tickling] and it was so much fun.
We capped of our stay with going to the beach, and it was a huge disappointments since the beach was a pebble beach and kind of dirty. I am spoiled because whenever I heard beach I immediately assume a beach like Cannon Rocks. We still had fun and the kids enjoyed the cool down in the water.
Dubrovnik Croatia.
Is a beautiful little town with a medieval wall around it, and the fun part is you can walk all along the wall and see the town from up high.
It was awesome since the architecture and everything is so different from all the other places we have been to.
Dubrovnik has a nickname "Pearl of the Adriatic," right fully so, with a rich history dating back to the 15th century. It has survived wars, and earthquakes. This city most valuable commodity would have to it;s freedom, and therefore you see the word "Libertas" all over the place.
Croatia is probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to.
Venice, Italy.
Almost exactly five years ago, Nate and I were in Venice for our anniversary/late honeymoon. We had a blast and it is such a beautiful place.
We were thrilled to go back, and this time was fun because we had time to just get lost in all the narrow alley ways and admire the beauty and the color. We stayed away from the crowds for the most part so the kids could walk around as well, and we wouldn't be subject to crashes since most people don't watch were they are going.
We had a super relaxing day just strolling around, we did go to St Marcus Square (it was crazy busy) just to snap some shots, and to feet the pigeons, it was hit with Ian, not so much with sister, but that is ok.
And then we stopped for the most expensive lunch in the history of lunches - five years ago Nate and I ate here as well and we decided to return, it was so yummy, and it was Father's day (that post will come later) so we had a legitimate reason.
Ian's favourite part about Venice, was stopping on every single bridge and watching the boats or was we call them in the Cook house, Captain's go by. It was the sweetest thing and he would just smile and wave.
Oh and did I mention the weird guy whole volunteered to take our family picture and half way through I didn't think it was such a good idea anymore since I was pretty sure he was going to take of my camera - that is why we were all distracted. It worked out in the end.
It was a beautiful day and great closing to our cruise.
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Here are some snap shots of our time on the ship. It was little more challenging to entertain everyone and to make use of everything offered on board. Ian and Hayleigh's age different is so close but just to far apart to participate in activities together, so we cut that out since on or the other would be upset if they couldn't participate in anything.
This lead to too much energy and bordem and made Nate and I retrieve to the dessert area. Yes, mother we also made sure the kids got cake, just so you wouldn't feel bad for them, and did you see all the ice cream pit stops?
The ship offers a variety of things, but very little is family or child orientated, I would totally pay the extra few hundred dollars and take a Disney Cruise instead, or wait till the kids are much older. It is a good way to see lots of places in a short amount of time. But I would NOT recommend it for people with small children.
We did however enjoy the "fancy" dinners each night, and the kids did pretty well staying up way past their bed time. Hayleigh loved the fancy wine glasses filled with water, and all the food. She is great eater, and sister has some attitude in her. Lord help us when she turns into a teen.
We had a wonderful time, but now reality sets it. It is time to out-process, back up our house and all our belongings and jump over the pond to our new adventure.
I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity, to have seen and learned so much history in a few days.
I hope you enjoyed our Mediterranean journey.
Happy Thursday.
Looks like you guys had a great time! Good luck with the move!
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