Monday, December 11, 2023

Santorini

Our next destination was the stunning island of Santorini.


Early morning view of the city of Fira atop the cliffs.


The waters already busy with ferries.


Dad enjoying the view from our balcony with the city of Oia in the distance.


Mom and dad on the ferry.


For Santorini we had no plans and decided to just see where the day took us. Since we had to account for the extra time for traveling to and from our ship and up and down the mountain, our day was shorter than we anticipated. We stayed in Fira and didn’t venture too far. But honestly, the views were incredible no matter where you were.



The bell tower of the Candlemas Holy Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral.

Myself and mom.

Myself, dad, Jenny, Liz, and mom.


Lovely views of a hotel patio.


We decided to stop for lunch at Naoussa. The food was fantastic and view was breathtaking! 


The delicious Greek salad along with a mountain of garlic toast and tasty beet spread.



Crispy and creamy fried feta cheese.


Dad with his calamari. Ever since I was a kid my dad would take us on day trips to Tarpon Springs, a city famous for its Greek heritage. We would see the historic sponge docks, do a little shopping, and visit the Saint Michael Shrine. A highlight was my dad always ordering the calamari at one of the Greek restaurants. Now he got to enjoy it in the Greek Isles.


Liz and Jenny.

Photo by unknown.


Mom.

Mom and dad.

Mom and myself.






The line for the cable car back down was so long that we decided to walk the donkey trail. It was hot and the path was slippery from all the stones being worn smooth - but the views were astonishing!


Dad.

Myself and Jenny.

Photo by Liz Kasper.

Dad.

Dad and myself.

Jenny.


Back in the Old Port.

Myself, Jenny, and Liz.





Mom with her piña colada.


Sunset over the islands.



The full moon rising over Santorini as we sail away.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Kuşadasi

After exploring Ephesus our bus took us back to Kuşadasi where we continued our adventures.


A man relaxing in a local restaurant with his sleepy dog.


We stopped for a late lunch at Nisantasi Cafe. I got a meat wrap; I know the picture doesn’t do it justice but it was warm, savory, and the flavors were incredible! 


Mom sitting outside the restaurant while dad gathers his things.


Dad and mom on their way back to the cruise ship. My sisters and I decided to explore the city a bit more.


Jenny looking at the treats on display in a local shop.


Jenny and Liz with their pistachio baklava.



Myself and Jenny.

Myself, Jenny, and Liz.


Jenny and Liz in front of the El Heykeli sculpture.

Jenny.


A fisherman patiently waiting for his next catch.

Photo by Liz Kasper.

Myself, Jenny, and Liz.


Back on the cruise ship and ready to meet mom in the hot tub.


Mom relaxing with her strawberry daiquiri.


The sunset over the port.


The coastline bathed in a pastel glow.


The moon rising over Kuşadasi as we sail further away.





Beams of moonlight through the clouds somewhere in the Icarian Sea.