A cruise through the Mediterranean evokes an assault on your senses! Bright explosions of color in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar on shelves overflowing with flowing pashmina and beaded silk shawls, gleaming intricate pillbox handbags made of sterling silver, and a plethora of gold and silver “bling” made in Greek designs. Sounds overwhelm you as piped PA systems call worshippers to pray several times a day, as hints of curry and cumin waft from the many sidewalk restaurants that abound in the large cities.
In contrast are the bleached stark white walls and blue roofed houses of Santorini and Mykonos baking quietly in the hot Asean sun, where fishing boats bob gently on crystal clear water where you can easily see small fish and tidal creatures cavorting in the depth. Teasing your taste buds at each meal are smooth cultured yogurt appetizers, a plethora of fresh vegetables drenched in olive oil and wonderful dessert confections made of honey and sugared milk and nuts. All this and more packed into 12- days on Holland America's ms Oosterdam on the Mediterranean Empire cruise.
Traveling with a group of Hawaii people to share new experiences is the best way to travel. Our group discovered many “connections” and forged new friendships that are certain to last for a long time to come. These “such a small world” connections included learning that they were neighbors that lived on the same street for years, or were high school classmates in Maui and Hilo many years ago, a retired intermediate school math teacher reconnected with a former student, or knowing or working with relatives and friends. Each of the tour members watched out for each other and enjoyed sharing friendship and camaraderie.
Instead of purchasing the Holland cruise tours, Regal Travel recommended private chartered tours at each port that included specific highlights of the area with a professional guide, a sumptuous lunch at a good restaurant, include audio headsets for the guide as available and bottled water for each person. Our own large bus allowed us the flexibility to add more shopping time, or delete stops that were not necessary. With so much history and information to impart, the tour guides safely guided the group to many sites, museums, exhibits and archeological sites.
In Split, Croatia we learned an interesting Hawaii factoid. John Dominis, husband of Queen Liliuokalani, was originally from Split. He stole his mother's jewels and ran away to seek his fortune. We walked through the delightful city centre of Trogir that sits on an island in the Adriatic Sea accessible only by bridge. It is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List as the best preserved Romanesque- Gothic complex in the whole of central Europe. We visited Salona, the once Roman capital of Dalmatia and currently the most important archaeological site in the Mediterranean after Rome that preserves late Roman and early Christian architecture.
As expected, the Acropolis, Parthenon, temple of Athena Nike, theater of Dionysos and the Odeon of Herod Atticus in Athens were magnificent except for the hoards of tourists and the dangerous trek up and down the mountain on loose rubble and slippery marble. The tour included The National Archeological Museum known for its premier collection from art from the Minoan, Cycladic and Myceanaean eras among others. Our guide gave us time to shop on Ermou Street, an outdoor car-free walkway lined with shops. The best calamari I had was served at a fabulous lunch in a restaurant that overlooked the city.
Istanbul, is the world's only city covering two continents - with the Bosphorus Strait running through the center. Europe lying to the west, and Asia to the east. The clash in cultures is immediately seen with monumental mosques (Hagia Sophia, one of the world's finest examples of Byzantine architecture) and the Roman ruins of the Hippodrome where horse and chariot races were help in Roman times. We visited the Topkapi Palace originally the summer residence in pre-Christian Byzantium era with its over-thetop jewel displays, religious artifacts, silk ceremonial robes and manuscript collection. The Blue Mosque, built in the 17th century is still a center for religious demonstration and it was surreal to stand under its glittering dome.
My favorite port on this cruise was Kusadasi. It was a surprise to see green mountains and valleys in this largely unspoiled traditional Turkish seaside village. We visited the House of the Virgin Mary, located atop Nightingale Mountain (Bulbul). It is a humble one-story brick house that by myth is purported to be the place where she spent her last years. The primary appeal of Kusadasi is the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, the best preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. Lunch was in a beautiful restaurant overlooking a valley of olive trees.
There were so many things to do on the ship! We arranged activities on the sea days - a Hanafuda challenge, a Texas Hold'em Tournament and musubi making in the Culinary Arts Center. We had 39 trays of microwaveable rice that we brought with us. One night we had a wonderful birthday surprise for Les Hamada, and on the last day, even participated in the Walk of the Cure 5k walk which was 9 times around the deck. We celebrated Father's Day with the Dads in the group with socks (Hugo Boss!) from the Grand Bazaar. And of course, we gambled in the casino.
The trip was made so much more enjoyable because of 6-year old, Jacob Norimoto. Holland America cruises are multi-generational and can be enjoyed by all. Jacob delighted everyone with his curiosity and childlike wonder. He captured the hearts of fellow travelers and cruise staff as well.
We were fortunate to have calm seas, beautiful weather and the opportunity to meet and grow friendships with our fellow travelers. These pictures don't show the true beauty of Greece and Turkey and I urge you to take a Mediterranean cruise and make your dreams come true.
Please call me at 566-7222, or email sonya@regaltravel.com for more information, or contact any of our knowledgeable Regal agents who can provide specific ships, dates and cruises to best meet your interests and your pocketbook.
Coming up real soon - a trip to Egypt in October 2009! Come and join an escorted group by Ray & Sonya Miyashiro for a wonderful once in a lifetime experience.