So we indeed missed Alexandria last week, and had a sea day instead. Many of my friends were disappointed that they missed their chance to see the pyramids, but everyone is resigned to the fact that it is much better to stay away in light of all the political unrest and anti-American (even general anti-Western) sentiment. So we stayed at sea....and added a stop in the lovely island of Rhodes, Greece. It was especially fun this time having just watched an episode of Poirot which takes place there. For anyone who may not know, Poirot is the Belgian detective created by novelist Agatha Christie (Murder on the Orient Express). She wrote over 60 stories about this character, and a British company ITV set out producing tv versions of every story. It was a major project lasting decades, but now the actor David Suchet has successfully portrayed Poirot in every story ever written about him. Nick has the box set, and we've been slowly working our way through the episodes, which has become a near-daily ritual.
We've been stopping at a number of other lovely Greek islands as well, reminding me often of my first contract, which was spent in these ports. It has been fun taking Nick to my favorite places, and also discovering new ones together. Mykonos remains my favorite Greek island, I think. Beautiful buildings and narrow picturesque streets, crystal mediterranean waters, and nutella crepes and free wifi around every corner.....what more could you want??? Today we are in Katakolon, the port of call for the guests to visit the ruins of Olympia. I have already been, so today we stayed in the small port of waterfront cafe's and shops. However, we first found a path that wandered up and over the surrounding hill, through some olive groves and a small pine forest. The smell reminds me of home. We stumbled upon a gorgeous small hotel with a fantastic view of the harbour, and happened to meet the owner, who not only owns that hotel and a restaurant in town, but also is the official pilot for ships coming into port here, for over 20 years. It was neat to meet and chat with him. It's amazing the things you stumble upon when you wander off the beaten track. We eventually made our way back into town for a lunch on the waterfront of traditional Greek delights - stuffed vine leaves, bell peppers and tomatoes, Greek coffee and baclava. Yum.
In a few days time we will be arriving in Venice, where the process will begin of bringing on and installing a brand new show in the theatre. All the set has been driven down to Venice by truck, all the way from England. It will take a lot of work just to get it on board, involving opening extra shell doors in the side of the ship and the use of cranes. Nick will be very very busy. I have heard rumors that the composer and musical director of the show is coming on board, to work with us as he makes final changes and tweaks, and will be recording all of us as potential "sick tracks" in case a player is ever missing at a performance. It should be very interesting to see how this all plays out! More on that later.
We've been stopping at a number of other lovely Greek islands as well, reminding me often of my first contract, which was spent in these ports. It has been fun taking Nick to my favorite places, and also discovering new ones together. Mykonos remains my favorite Greek island, I think. Beautiful buildings and narrow picturesque streets, crystal mediterranean waters, and nutella crepes and free wifi around every corner.....what more could you want??? Today we are in Katakolon, the port of call for the guests to visit the ruins of Olympia. I have already been, so today we stayed in the small port of waterfront cafe's and shops. However, we first found a path that wandered up and over the surrounding hill, through some olive groves and a small pine forest. The smell reminds me of home. We stumbled upon a gorgeous small hotel with a fantastic view of the harbour, and happened to meet the owner, who not only owns that hotel and a restaurant in town, but also is the official pilot for ships coming into port here, for over 20 years. It was neat to meet and chat with him. It's amazing the things you stumble upon when you wander off the beaten track. We eventually made our way back into town for a lunch on the waterfront of traditional Greek delights - stuffed vine leaves, bell peppers and tomatoes, Greek coffee and baclava. Yum.
In a few days time we will be arriving in Venice, where the process will begin of bringing on and installing a brand new show in the theatre. All the set has been driven down to Venice by truck, all the way from England. It will take a lot of work just to get it on board, involving opening extra shell doors in the side of the ship and the use of cranes. Nick will be very very busy. I have heard rumors that the composer and musical director of the show is coming on board, to work with us as he makes final changes and tweaks, and will be recording all of us as potential "sick tracks" in case a player is ever missing at a performance. It should be very interesting to see how this all plays out! More on that later.
1 comment:
The Greek Isles sound amazing. I am glad you are taking time to meander down some streets to get a different perspective than most tourists.
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