Sit back and relax

Saturday 8th July

Cruise day. Taxi ride to Port of Piraeus. Boarding process was very quick and easy. I was expecting long queues, but no, they seemed to be coming in dribs and drabs.

Our cabin is OK. It’s an interior cabin, no windows, and on a lower deck, but we won’t be spending a lot of time there anyway.

Lunch on board was a buffet and so much to choose from. The food was really quite good.

The rest of the day passed quickly with the emergency evacuation drill, explore the ship, dinner, then the evenings show which was Abba.

Just a look back to the port of Piraeus. 

Sunset as we left Port of Piraeus. 

Sunday 9th July

Thessaloniki. We didn’t get off the ship today but just enjoyed a relaxing day on board, taking part in some of the activities on board.

The food is really good with plenty to choose from. The show tonight was circus acrobats. The entertainment group are all from Cuba, with a Canadian choreographer who used to work for Cirque du Soleil. 

Cruise around the bay on a Pirate ship.

Odette enjoyed the jacuzzi.....

...and her Freddo Espresso.

Our ship - the Celestyal Crystal.

Monday 10th July

Today we were in Kusadasi, Turkey. We decided not to do the on shore excursion which was to Ephesus, to look at temples, and more ancient rocks. 

Instead we decided to visit the Grand Bazaar which was only 200m from the ship. I was expecting something like the small shops/stalls we have experienced in Bali, but they were more like real shops. I hated the pressure from all the shop keepers as you walked past – if I’m shopping I just like to browse along on my own, wander in and out of shops, and not engage unless I see something I am interested in. This sort of pressure just shuts me down and I keep walking.

All the shops are selling the same thing – the handbag shops are all selling the same knock-off handbags, t-shirts, dresses, etc. I did finally succumb and went in to one of the jewellery shops. A lovely pair of earrings followed me home. We had a look at some of the hand made rugs but weren't really interested in buying any. I think the shopkeeper was disappointed when we walked away empty handed.

Enjoyed a lovely Turkish ice cream and then back to the boat for lunch.

Handmade silk rugs. There are some really beautiful ones - too many choices. 

Shades of Bali, where they advertise Antiques made to Order. 

There were quite a few of these lovely stepped alley ways
leading away from the Grand Bazaar.

Shoes, shirts, souvenirs.

I love watching anything crafty.
Watched this lady for a while as she tied knots.

Old fort at the entrance to Kusadasi.