We are heading back to Livorno where the ship is docked after a day on our own in Florence.
Even living in Toronto which is a very busy city, it seems remarkable to me how many tourists there were in Florence and Rome at the end of September.
We arrived in town around 10:30 AM and I must confess that we did nothing culturally significant all day.
We shopped in various markets for odds and ends, had gelati and then pizza and salad for lunch.
It was sunny and about 18 degrees -- perfect walking weather.
Getting a bit travel weary and can't believe that at this time Saturday this fabulous trip will be just a memory!
Tomorrow is Portofino. We have tickets for another cooking school trip. Whether or not we will go is TBA.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Rome and the Vatican
The weather is cool, sunny and gorgeous. Trip to Rome plus a quick tour of the coliseum, major churches and the Trevi Fountain were very interesting
Then from 10-1 we had free time so we walked around and had a lovely pasta lunch.
But when we headed over to Vatican City everything totally unraveled. There were 100s of thousands of people, huge lines even for groups, corridor after corridor and tons of stairs.
When we finally got to the Sistine Chapel it was shoulder to shoulder in unbearable heat. The rule was no pics but the cameras never stopped flashing.
Some of us revolted and decided not to continue to the Church of St. Peter's. So now we are sitting on the steps surrounding St. Peter's Square sharing a panini.
I looked at a lot of stuff this morning but I wasn't in the mood to shop (as impossible as that may seem) and its a good thing because we would have had to carry it all day.
Tomorrow is Florence on our own and I plan to spend most of it in the markets.
Then one more day in Portofino and then home. Getting lonesome for everyone.....
Then from 10-1 we had free time so we walked around and had a lovely pasta lunch.
But when we headed over to Vatican City everything totally unraveled. There were 100s of thousands of people, huge lines even for groups, corridor after corridor and tons of stairs.
When we finally got to the Sistine Chapel it was shoulder to shoulder in unbearable heat. The rule was no pics but the cameras never stopped flashing.
Some of us revolted and decided not to continue to the Church of St. Peter's. So now we are sitting on the steps surrounding St. Peter's Square sharing a panini.
I looked at a lot of stuff this morning but I wasn't in the mood to shop (as impossible as that may seem) and its a good thing because we would have had to carry it all day.
Tomorrow is Florence on our own and I plan to spend most of it in the markets.
Then one more day in Portofino and then home. Getting lonesome for everyone.....
IMG00041-20100929-1018.jpg
Sheryl Smolkin,
416.227.9025: Office
416.702.3190: Cell
www.sherylsmolkin.com
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
On our way to Rome
In spite of a minor cough which woke me up I had a good sleep and feel ready for a long day in Rome.
Regency is an amazing organization and always runs on time. In the AM we go to the theatre and get our bus tickets.
Once everyone arrives the bus no. is called and we exit directly to our bus. They swipe our room keys which brings up our picture. The same process occurs in reverse so they always know who is on the boat and they can avoid stowaways.
As I write this we are speeding through a green and gold landscape. The sky is bright blue and there are no clouds to be seen.
Should be a great day!
Regency is an amazing organization and always runs on time. In the AM we go to the theatre and get our bus tickets.
Once everyone arrives the bus no. is called and we exit directly to our bus. They swipe our room keys which brings up our picture. The same process occurs in reverse so they always know who is on the boat and they can avoid stowaways.
As I write this we are speeding through a green and gold landscape. The sky is bright blue and there are no clouds to be seen.
Should be a great day!
Naples
We slept in until 8 and woke up to the tour director announcing that we had arrived in Naples.
Had a leisurely breakfast and decided to walk into Naples as opposed to going to the gym first as everything pretty well shuts down from 1:30 to 3:00.
Toured a castle that has been converted into several galleries. We were not familiar with the artists and couldn't understand the signs or talk to the museum staff so we didn't learn very much.
Then we went to a shopping galeria in marble with very high green house like windows. Lots of chain stores and high prices. Best part was espresso and gelati which are everywhere.
Then we rounded a corner and found the most amazing bed linen store. Couldn't resist the Monet water lilies pattern in a duvet cover etc.
Hope we will be able to get all the swag in and pay extra for only one bag.
We're both fighting a cold and were quite tired by then so we came back to the boat for lunch.
It's overcast but warmish so Joel is sleeping and I'm reading on the pool deck.
Had a leisurely breakfast and decided to walk into Naples as opposed to going to the gym first as everything pretty well shuts down from 1:30 to 3:00.
Toured a castle that has been converted into several galleries. We were not familiar with the artists and couldn't understand the signs or talk to the museum staff so we didn't learn very much.
Then we went to a shopping galeria in marble with very high green house like windows. Lots of chain stores and high prices. Best part was espresso and gelati which are everywhere.
Then we rounded a corner and found the most amazing bed linen store. Couldn't resist the Monet water lilies pattern in a duvet cover etc.
Hope we will be able to get all the swag in and pay extra for only one bag.
We're both fighting a cold and were quite tired by then so we came back to the boat for lunch.
It's overcast but warmish so Joel is sleeping and I'm reading on the pool deck.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Some enchanted evening
Since we decided not to take a tour tomorrow we will go to the gym and then walk off the boat and into Naples.
Decided to take in another live show. The singers and dancers outdid themselves in a Vegas style production a la Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Then it turns out there an active volcano called Stromboli sticking out of the ocean that put on quite a show for us while we were at sea.
We're off to bed now but others are still playing in the casino and singing karaoke. But it can't be as good as the night before A+C's wedding....
Decided to take in another live show. The singers and dancers outdid themselves in a Vegas style production a la Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Then it turns out there an active volcano called Stromboli sticking out of the ocean that put on quite a show for us while we were at sea.
We're off to bed now but others are still playing in the casino and singing karaoke. But it can't be as good as the night before A+C's wedding....
Wine tasting
Gambino winery. Long tables with platters of cheeses, summer sausages, olives, artichokes, olives, eggplant, sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms and the most amazing yellow cornbread with a brown, crunchy crust.
Oh, and the wines....
Feudo white: quite grassy mineral
Tifeo white: citrus bouquet; like a dry reisling
Cantari red: spicy pepper with a touch of vanilla; deep cherry colour. Similar to cabernet franc
Tifeo red; lighter colour; similar to a pinot noire.
We'll all definitely be sleeping on the way down the mountain.
Saw Mount Aetna from afar but food definitely trumped geography when we selected our tours.
Oh, and the wines....
Feudo white: quite grassy mineral
Tifeo white: citrus bouquet; like a dry reisling
Cantari red: spicy pepper with a touch of vanilla; deep cherry colour. Similar to cabernet franc
Tifeo red; lighter colour; similar to a pinot noire.
We'll all definitely be sleeping on the way down the mountain.
Saw Mount Aetna from afar but food definitely trumped geography when we selected our tours.
Sicilian Wine Road
Took an 1hour drive to the town of Randazzo where we saw the Santo Maria church. A medieval town. Best part was ground pistachio gelati. Pistachios are grown on the island. Unlike other family members, any dairy product is a comfort food for me.
Winery is next. Probably won't be drinking top much as I'm on sudafed for the minor cold I got from Joel.
According to our guide, nothing gets done and no one gets elected without Mafia support. Also, all businesses have to protection money.
The average person has little contact with the Mafia, but if you win a lottery or inherit money, our guide says they will turn up at your door and your life will never be your own again.
Winery is next. Probably won't be drinking top much as I'm on sudafed for the minor cold I got from Joel.
According to our guide, nothing gets done and no one gets elected without Mafia support. Also, all businesses have to protection money.
The average person has little contact with the Mafia, but if you win a lottery or inherit money, our guide says they will turn up at your door and your life will never be your own again.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Chocolate high tea
Well, this was supposed to be a low carb day and we were doing really well until we got an invitation to a chocolate high tea.
The warm scones with double cream and strawberry jam were definitely the stars but there were also small sandwiches and all manner of chocolate confections.
There is musical performance of opera and other arias before dinner so I'm off to wash my hair and get glamorous.
The warm scones with double cream and strawberry jam were definitely the stars but there were also small sandwiches and all manner of chocolate confections.
There is musical performance of opera and other arias before dinner so I'm off to wash my hair and get glamorous.
A Day at Sea
We've been sailing since 7 PM last night an will not arrive in Sicily until early Monday AM. It's a relief to have a day on the ship without touring.
We actually made it to the gym for the second time after a lovely breakfast where in addition to ll the usual stuff they had champagne, blinis, caviar and all the trimimngs.
Using a treadmill on a moving boat gives a whole new meaning to aerobic exercise!
Then we went to the pool deck to enjoy some sun, live music and watch one of the chefs do an ice carving.
Nothing else special planned for today. Of course there is dinner and a comedian in the theatre this evening.
On the computer now but probably won't have BB data service until tomorrow AM.
We actually made it to the gym for the second time after a lovely breakfast where in addition to ll the usual stuff they had champagne, blinis, caviar and all the trimimngs.
Using a treadmill on a moving boat gives a whole new meaning to aerobic exercise!
Then we went to the pool deck to enjoy some sun, live music and watch one of the chefs do an ice carving.
Nothing else special planned for today. Of course there is dinner and a comedian in the theatre this evening.
On the computer now but probably won't have BB data service until tomorrow AM.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Heading out to sea
Santorini 2
Excellent day on Santorini. Bought a really unique crocheted silver necklace with pearls.
Had a wonderful cooking demo in a taverna on the top of Santorini. Theproprietor made a form of bruscetta
plus breaded and fried tomato, zucchini and eggplant fritters. Some of the men including Joel were co-opted to cook and then we ate.
After we bussed back to Fira and walked the gauntlet of vendors before taking a cable car to the boat (tender) back to the ship.It's REALLY hot and can't wait to relax in the air conditioned ship.
Tonight, dinner in the steak restaurant and a musical show in the theatre.Tomorrow at sea which I'm looking forward to. Gym, reading and maybe the art auction in the PM.
Had a wonderful cooking demo in a taverna on the top of Santorini. Theproprietor made a form of bruscetta
plus breaded and fried tomato, zucchini and eggplant fritters. Some of the men including Joel were co-opted to cook and then we ate.
After we bussed back to Fira and walked the gauntlet of vendors before taking a cable car to the boat (tender) back to the ship.It's REALLY hot and can't wait to relax in the air conditioned ship.
Tonight, dinner in the steak restaurant and a musical show in the theatre.Tomorrow at sea which I'm looking forward to. Gym, reading and maybe the art auction in the PM.
Santorini
The name is a contraction of St. Irene.
Clear azure blue sky. Very warm. Only ship in port today which apparently is a good thing! We go to shore via "tenders" which is a smaller boat with upper and lower decks holding about 120 people in total.
Might have cold Joel had earlier. It's a very winding road up the mountain so I hope my stomach settles soon.
Clear azure blue sky. Very warm. Only ship in port today which apparently is a good thing! We go to shore via "tenders" which is a smaller boat with upper and lower decks holding about 120 people in total.
Might have cold Joel had earlier. It's a very winding road up the mountain so I hope my stomach settles soon.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday night
About a dozen Landsmen from the four corners of the world gathered for a brief Shabbos service led by Joel.
Met a lovely couple from Halifax who told Joel their synagogue could really use a cantor.
Then a huge open air buffet around the pool and a live Beatles revival band.
Lots of fun. Ship is leaving port now. Santorini tomorrow.
Met a lovely couple from Halifax who told Joel their synagogue could really use a cantor.
Then a huge open air buffet around the pool and a live Beatles revival band.
Lots of fun. Ship is leaving port now. Santorini tomorrow.
Kusadasi
Going to be 93 degrees today. We lucked out. Only 6 people on a mini bus on our tour.
Saw the ruins of a Ephesus. Heading to Sirince where we will have lunch.
There is a small outdoor market at Sirince where I picked up a few small things including a very debonair brown leather cap for Charles.
We had a lovely lunch on the back deck of a local homeowner, which was prearranged.
Dolmas, tomato and cucumber chopped salad, lightly spiced meatballs, bulghur, roast potatoes, local wine and green grapes for desert. Simple but lovely.
Looked in a few stores near the dock before we got back on the boat but everything is starting to look the same.
Came back on board and rested, washed my hair which really has to be planned given our early start and busy days.
Having a cookie and cappuccino in the library. There is an optional Friday night service we may go to and then a huge barbecue and Beatles look alike entertainment on the pool deck (11the floor!)
Tomorrow Santorini and cooking class and lunch in a taverna. Then for dinner, we have a reservation in the fancy steak restaurant.
Our room is cleaned twice a day if you can believe with all towels changed and re stocking of the mini bar. We love having a sitting area and deck with a table and chairs.
There is a walk in closet, a separate make up station and a really decent sized bathroom with a small bath tub and a shower and ours was the entry level sized cabin.
That's all for now. Sorry I was incommunicado for most of the day but I didn't have data service.
Sheryl Smolkin,
416.227.9025: Office
416.702.3190: Cell
www.sherylsmolkin.com
Saw the ruins of a Ephesus. Heading to Sirince where we will have lunch.
There is a small outdoor market at Sirince where I picked up a few small things including a very debonair brown leather cap for Charles.
We had a lovely lunch on the back deck of a local homeowner, which was prearranged.
Dolmas, tomato and cucumber chopped salad, lightly spiced meatballs, bulghur, roast potatoes, local wine and green grapes for desert. Simple but lovely.
Looked in a few stores near the dock before we got back on the boat but everything is starting to look the same.
Came back on board and rested, washed my hair which really has to be planned given our early start and busy days.
Having a cookie and cappuccino in the library. There is an optional Friday night service we may go to and then a huge barbecue and Beatles look alike entertainment on the pool deck (11the floor!)
Tomorrow Santorini and cooking class and lunch in a taverna. Then for dinner, we have a reservation in the fancy steak restaurant.
Our room is cleaned twice a day if you can believe with all towels changed and re stocking of the mini bar. We love having a sitting area and deck with a table and chairs.
There is a walk in closet, a separate make up station and a really decent sized bathroom with a small bath tub and a shower and ours was the entry level sized cabin.
That's all for now. Sorry I was incommunicado for most of the day but I didn't have data service.
Sheryl Smolkin,
416.227.9025: Office
416.702.3190: Cell
www.sherylsmolkin.com
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Sailing to Mykonos
We bought an internet package but its really slow so BB is the best way to post even though the blog ends up being kind of messy.
We sailed this morning and the plan was to go ashore in Mykonos via small boats. However it is too windy so we are docking at a different port where we can walk off, which is fine with me!
Gorgeous blue sky and 20 degrees. Staff is fabulous and everyone is very friendly.
Predominately middle aged crowd but younger overall than the less rigorous Danube cruise.
We sailed this morning and the plan was to go ashore in Mykonos via small boats. However it is too windy so we are docking at a different port where we can walk off, which is fine with me!
Gorgeous blue sky and 20 degrees. Staff is fabulous and everyone is very friendly.
Predominately middle aged crowd but younger overall than the less rigorous Danube cruise.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Signaures Restaurant
Just had an unbelievable dinner at a fancy French restaurant.
Tomorrow we go to Mykonos. We're on a tour from about 2-5:30 but then we can go back to the boat anytime until 10:30 at night.
Not that we would want to miss dinner on board! But apparently, more great shopping.
Since we are at sea tomorrow AM there are tons of activities: mah jong, pilates, lectures etc. There is even an art gallery with an art auction on Sunday afternoon!
There are two theatres and a 9 piece orchestra with performances with shows every night plus a piano bar, not that we'll ever be awake long enough!
Our room which was the entry level has a very inviting queen size bed, a separate sitting area and an outside balcony with a table for 2.
Right now bed and a book are very inviting.
Tomorrow we go to Mykonos. We're on a tour from about 2-5:30 but then we can go back to the boat anytime until 10:30 at night.
Not that we would want to miss dinner on board! But apparently, more great shopping.
Since we are at sea tomorrow AM there are tons of activities: mah jong, pilates, lectures etc. There is even an art gallery with an art auction on Sunday afternoon!
There are two theatres and a 9 piece orchestra with performances with shows every night plus a piano bar, not that we'll ever be awake long enough!
Our room which was the entry level has a very inviting queen size bed, a separate sitting area and an outside balcony with a table for 2.
Right now bed and a book are very inviting.
Wi Fi etc.
Turns out there are exorbitant wi fi and cell fees when we are sailing that will impact our computer and BB use.
So we will keep you posted as to when we are and are not accessible.
Today we sail at 5 PM which is 7 hours ahead of Toronto time (10 AM) and 10 hours ahead of Vancouver (8 AM).
Suite is beautiful. Ship is kind of overwhelming. Will unpack and have a nap before the 4:30 life drill.
So we will keep you posted as to when we are and are not accessible.
Today we sail at 5 PM which is 7 hours ahead of Toronto time (10 AM) and 10 hours ahead of Vancouver (8 AM).
Suite is beautiful. Ship is kind of overwhelming. Will unpack and have a nap before the 4:30 life drill.
Good bye Istanbul
While I'm sure they haven't run out of "stuff" in Greece and Italy everything was so distinctive in Istanbul and we were on our own time so we bought the majority of our gifts here.
The two crowd pleasers here were high boots in a black, silver and grey tapestry lined with leather made overnight to fit my calf and low black and multi coloured embroidered boots for my Mom. Not cheap but Anthropoligie in New York is selling them for $500 US.
Incidentally, Joel has a fabulous BB app which instantly converts any currency to another at real time rates. Since everything is priced in Turkish lira and we brought euros it's really handy to know what we are spending in CDN $.
Cab for the boat picking us up in 45 minutes. More tonight!
The two crowd pleasers here were high boots in a black, silver and grey tapestry lined with leather made overnight to fit my calf and low black and multi coloured embroidered boots for my Mom. Not cheap but Anthropoligie in New York is selling them for $500 US.
Incidentally, Joel has a fabulous BB app which instantly converts any currency to another at real time rates. Since everything is priced in Turkish lira and we brought euros it's really handy to know what we are spending in CDN $.
Cab for the boat picking us up in 45 minutes. More tonight!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Doing Istanbul
The weather has been a cool 18 degrees all day but in spite of cloudy skis, no rain. Great walking weather.
In the morning we went with a very knowledgeable 24 year old guide to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Yerabatin Cistern + the spice market.
Then back to the hotel area for a quick lunch and a rest. At 3 we headed for the Grand Market but there were so many stores before I thought we'd never make it.
Managed to not buy carpets gold or diamonds :) but couldn't resist carpet bags for A+C, a leather coat, pottery and some crazy patterned boots made out of carpet material.
Resting again to get up the energy to go for a fish dinner. Tomorrow we join our cruise at 1 PM.
Sheryl Smolkin,
416.227.9025: Office
416.702.3190: Cell
www.sherylsmolkin.com
Monday, September 20, 2010
Just Landed in Istanbul
Huge line for passport control but bags were sitting right there by the time we got through. And in a sea of signs, we found our driver.
Good thing too as the language is so different we wouldn't have had a clue where to turn.
We were so exhausted we hit the sack for two hours when we arrived. Now sitting on the hotel's rooftop terrace for drinks and appetizers. Then we will go for a walk and get a bit more dinner.
Overwhelming impression on the way in of narrow, crowded streets, many people and women with scarves dressed modestly who nonetheless manage to look quite fashionable with touches of sparkle and colour.
Good thing too as the language is so different we wouldn't have had a clue where to turn.
We were so exhausted we hit the sack for two hours when we arrived. Now sitting on the hotel's rooftop terrace for drinks and appetizers. Then we will go for a walk and get a bit more dinner.
Overwhelming impression on the way in of narrow, crowded streets, many people and women with scarves dressed modestly who nonetheless manage to look quite fashionable with touches of sparkle and colour.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Enroute to Frankfurt
As I write this in draft its 12:30 AM Toronto time and 5:30 Frankfurt time and we land in about 1.5 hours.
We have exit row seats I booked 9 mos ago so it is relatively comfortable. However I really haven't slept as it's not late enough.
By the time we have a 2 hour layover in Frankfurt and get in the next plane we'll probably be whacked but now they are serving cold muffins and I'm quite wide awake.
The plane has 60+ rows and I must say the first class pod like seats are really something to aspire to.
We seem to be on time so we should make our connecting flight. Compared to last year its a good start.
By the way, Sex and the City 2 is a -1but the overall AC entertainment options are pretty bad.
We have exit row seats I booked 9 mos ago so it is relatively comfortable. However I really haven't slept as it's not late enough.
By the time we have a 2 hour layover in Frankfurt and get in the next plane we'll probably be whacked but now they are serving cold muffins and I'm quite wide awake.
The plane has 60+ rows and I must say the first class pod like seats are really something to aspire to.
We seem to be on time so we should make our connecting flight. Compared to last year its a good start.
By the way, Sex and the City 2 is a -1but the overall AC entertainment options are pretty bad.
So far so good
After packing and repacking and taking out 1pair of shoes, 4 books (sob), socks and two sweater sets (tears) both bags weighed in at 49 lbs and we sailed through security without having take off our shoes! Fingers crossed that we will leave on time. So far weather looks clear.
Simba
Just dropped Simba off at Casa Meow. There are 15 cats currently with at least 4 red ones, one of which is also named Simba. A little worried as he didn't seem himself the last few days. Had to leave a credit card no. In case they have to take him to the vet. Scary.
Turns out he has a bladder infection. They took him to the vet who prescribed antibiotics and special food so he should be fine.
Turns out he has a bladder infection. They took him to the vet who prescribed antibiotics and special food so he should be fine.
Packing
Came home from services last night to find the alarm was on when both of us knew we hadn't set it.
Turns out Gina picked up Rudy thinking we left yesterday so we've had a very quiet morning...except for the horror of final packing.
Both of us have the "Baby Beluga" hard shell bags that weigh exactly 50 lbs after multiple weigh ins and shifting around plus wheelie carry ons packed to the hilt.
We brought one empty duffle bag and can buy another. Looks like we'll definitely paying for extra bags on the way home and/or shipping.
Now for house clean up and taking Simba to Casa Meow.......
Turns out Gina picked up Rudy thinking we left yesterday so we've had a very quiet morning...except for the horror of final packing.
Both of us have the "Baby Beluga" hard shell bags that weigh exactly 50 lbs after multiple weigh ins and shifting around plus wheelie carry ons packed to the hilt.
We brought one empty duffle bag and can buy another. Looks like we'll definitely paying for extra bags on the way home and/or shipping.
Now for house clean up and taking Simba to Casa Meow.......
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Test: Blog posting by e:mail
I have just set up a new blog on blogger.com called “From Istanbul to Monte Carlo.” The url to view the blog is http://sherylsmolkin.blogspot.com/.
However, if I have set this up properly, I can blog via email, and when I do, an email will automatically be sent out to all the people I have listed with the text of the most recent blog.
Let me know if I have succeeded. #
Monday, September 13, 2010
Getting Ready....
Packing seems to be an iterative process. No matter how many times I google the temperatures in all the ports we are headed for, I can't decide how warm or cold it is going to be. I finally went out and bought a new and hopefully comfortable pair of jeans to travel in. The pile on the couch in my office is covered with a sheet to protect it from Simba, as it is one of his favourite places.
Only six more sleeps......
Only six more sleeps......
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