Shopping in Greece

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Travel Spirit

The Island of Corfu, Greece was the final destination of my 12 night Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise. I spent the day shopping! Actually, I’d only bought a few things up until this point…so I made up for lost time. Most likely–compared to many women, I didn’t do much damage.

There was no sign of the civil unrest that had been publicized recently (this cruise was in June 2010). I ran into a couple I had met on the ship and had lunch with them. They were with a few of the cruise ship employees…one of whom was the Director of Entertainment on board.

I had an authentic Gyros and it was delicious. And of course some Ouzo!

This photo is early in the morning as the shop keepers were preparing for the day…

Photos of life in Corfu…

As I walked around the old town section of Corfu, I paid a small entrance fee to enter the old citadel…Palaio Frourio. I didn’t tour the new citadel, which is called the Neo Frourio.

This was a view from within the Citadel’s walls.

These little local boys were sooo cute!!

The next two days were spent at sea cruising back to Barcelona. It was quite an adjustment after the long days of walking and sight-seeing! I almost felt bored, after rushing for almost three weeks, but there were always people to talk to. I love to read…but for some reason I wasn’t in the mood on this trip and I also didn’t feel like sun bathing…I’d already had too much!

After disembarking in Barcelona, with luggage in tow, we made our way to the train station. I have a “Heys” suitcase that when empty, only weighs 3 lbs. It has held up nicely through 10 trips in the past 2-3 years.

On the train to the main train station in Barcelona, a girl in her 20’s got on and had a wire hanger with a paper mache banana that she hung from a handlebar on the train. She also had a stuffed animal and a small step stool. She stepped onto the stool and in Spanish, began belting out–what seemed to be a dramatic play or story, to the passengers on the train. The other passengers seemed to be ignoring her. I caught the eye of a fellow passenger and she smiled at me. Since I don’t understand Spanish…I didn’t know what she was saying. I wondered if she was practicing for a class in school…perhaps a drama student…or if it was political in nature. But, at the end she walked around with a hat for money and a couple of men gave her a few coins. We had encountered musicians on a few of the other train or subway rides. I like being surprised…not knowing what type of entertainment could be around the corner!

We boarded our three hour reserved train ride to Madrid and were picked up by the free shuttle bus from the Hilton Hotel by the airport, where we stayed for the night before heading home the following day!

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed your trip through Europe with me!

A Day in Corfu, A Walk through the Tempest (worldviastandby.wordpress.com)
Greece Shows Off at Vienna Tourism Fair (eu.greekreporter.com)

Spirit Within Croatia

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Travel Spirit

I fell in love with Dubrovnik, Croatia during my 2010 visit! Surrounded by a 2 km long wall, that was built for protection, over 40,000 people call it home!

Making my way to the top deck of the cruise ship as it was docking, I was surprised to see the modern and imposing Franjo Tuđman Bridge.

Upon entering the stone town, I was captivated by the old world charm of Dubrovnik! This gentleman is a fixture at Onofrio’s Fountain…

Once you’ve climbed the steps up to the wall…there is a walkway enabling you to completely walk around the town…and the views were astounding!

It was a hot day and I became very thirsty as I walked along the raised wall. If I remember correctly, there were a couple of spots you could exit from the wall’s walkway. Stopping at a vendor’s shop for a bottled water, I was informed that they didn’t take credit cards, so I waited until I finished walking around to make my way to a cafe for a quick drink. I usually carry my own water, but I don’t recall why I didn’t have any with me that day.

It worked out well with my traveling companion, because some days we went our separate ways…did our own thing…and met up later. Other days, we spent exploring together. This was one of the days we were exploring on our own.

Many of the roofs were damaged during the 1991 war…but have been repaired!

The barbers allowed me to take a photo! I love all of the things they have on display.

When you turn a corner and find a fresh farmer’s market…you feel like you’ve discovered a gold mine!

I love this guy’s smile!!

There was a spirit and a tinge of sadness surrounding some of the people of Croatia! Perhaps it is due to the recent War…

Budget: Croatia 2012 (chrystal-clear.com)
Last Stop in Croatia: Dubrovnik (remainagirl.com)
Mama No Lie (yougottasmile.wordpress.com)
#Dubrovnik #Croatia (leggotunglei808.wordpress.com)
Confused.com’s Guide to Driving in Croatia (confused.com)
Croatia: Dubrovnik and beyond (sarah-matthews.com)

The “Art” of asking directions in Rome

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Travel Spirit

Boarding the train in Civitavecchia, Italy, on my way to explore Rome for the first time, I was prepared for the long day ahead. Having organized my own shore excursion to save money, in lieu of purchasing one through Royal Caribbean, I was aware of the strict timeline for my traveling companion and I. Twelve hours to make our way to Rome, explore and return. I had purchased train tickets in advance and the trip was approximately 1 1/2 hrs, each way. The first stop was Vatican City and I was surprised by how quickly we were able to gain entry. Unfortunately we weren’t able to see St. Peter’s Basilica because the Pope was going to speak.

I’m not sure how I managed to get a photo in Vatican City without a person in it…

We quickly walked out of that Country and entered Rome! Next…we crossed the Tiber River. Side note: I was using someone else’s camera…mine had broken!

This is where the fun started. Although we were equipped with three maps, locating the Pantheon was not happening. I’m usually very good with maps. I started asking people for directions. My theory from years of traveling is that unless you get a gut feeling someone’s directions are really good…ask someone else…which I did…again and again…so we arrived at the Pantheon (which I didn’t post a picture of).

Multiple people were responsible for our arrival to the Trevi Fountain…which we tossed a coin into standing backwards. That way you are assured you’ll return to Rome!

The following two pictures are obviously a street with lots of people and a street with very few!

We were guided by a few kind souls to the Spanish Steps…which we didn’t climb attempting to conserve energy for all of the walking!

I’m not sure what or where this was…but it had nice light!

Finally, armed with directions from the friendly locals, we headed towards the Coliseum.

You can almost imagine yourself living back in the “hey day” of the Roman Empire!

Rome was a City that surprised me for a variety of reasons. I was surprised that you’re just walking along and then the Coliseum is…just there…I thought it would be farther outside of the City! I did so much research on the flight, cruise, train travel and hotels that I didn’t research every City – I guess it’s nice to be surprised sometimes!

For some reason, I thought Rome would be a bit “dirty” and be more crowded, but it wasn’t!

Tomorrow we skip over to Croatia…one of my favorite places!

24 hours in Rome – A 24 hour travel guide to Rome (essentialtravel.co.uk)
La Culture – When in Rome. (greensboring.com)
larkycanuck.com | Travel Adventures | Italy | When in Rome do as I do! (larkycanuck.com)
From Rome with Love (Day 2) (cityoftheweek.wordpress.com)
Travel Tuesdays: Amo Roma (equalpartsofawhole.wordpress.com)

Bal Masque

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Travel Spirit

The evening that our cruise ship left Venice, there was a Masquerade Ball aka Bal Masque. It was fun to see all of the colorful and unusual masks!

Of course, Venice is famous for their masks…

“The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are. You trade in your reality for a role. You trade in your sense for an act. You give up your ability to feel, and in exchange put on a mask. There can’t be any large-scale revolution until there’s a personal revolution, on an individual level. It’s got to happen inside first.” ~Jim Morrison

Here are some lovely girls!!

My mask was quite simple!

Another cutie!!

Don’t miss Rome tomorrow!!

Epiphany Events Venetian Masked Ball Brings Venice’s Carnival to Seattle in February (prweb.com)

The Passages of Venice

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Travel Spirit

Our ship arrived in Venice in the early afternoon and I had purchased a ship run shore excursion to the Murano Glass Factory and a touristy gondola ride. It was my birthday…so I treated myself! Our Gondolier was a handsome man … Continue reading →

Island of Capri

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Travel Spirit

I decided to pay Royal Caribbean the $150 to go on their organized shore excursion, since I had arranged all of my previous excursions. Once the cruise ship docked in Naples, Italy, I boarded a small boat and was stepping onto the small island of Capri within 45 minutes.

We boarded a bus for a unique ride to Anacapri, that took us up skinny, winding roads, past lovely guesthouses/villas and finally dropped us at a chair lift that takes you to the top of the island. During the chair lift ride, I was twisting and turning to take photos of the dramatic vistas!

I love the excitement of being somewhere new and so very beautiful! The views were spectacular! You’ll notice these photos aren’t as clear and crisp as my others…there was a haze in the sky and I had borrowed someone’s camera, since mine mal-functioned.

Island of Capri

Our tour guide was Italian. I asked to take his photo and he insisted on one with both of us in the photo.

Perhaps I am generalizing here…but it seems Italian men have an air of confidence and know when to take charge! Or maybe, they try to take charge all of the time.

He led our group for a stroll through the exquisite and colorful “Gardens of Augustus“.

It was very soothing and almost like a retreat!

Gardens of Augustus

After our tour of the gardens, it was fun window shopping and I eventually found a seat at a quaint sidewalk cafe, and ordered a deliciously chilled Limoncello!

Don’t tell anyone, but I also bought a bottle of wine to sneak on the ship and I wasn’t the only one. When on-board drinks are $8-9 each, it’s the smart thing to do.

One of my doctors has been there and said the hiking is great. Although Capri is gorgeous, it was very crowded and touristy. If I were to return, I would prefer to explore other areas of the Island and hopefully escape some of the crowds!

Tomorrow, we sail to Venice!

Capri tour, dinner @ Nennella, night in Napoli – Capri, Italy (travelpod.com)
Photo Of The Day: A Caprese In Capri (gadling.com)

Cinque Terre…The Five Lands and “Guido”

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Travel Spirit

Although all of the destinations on my 12-night Mediterranean cruise (taken in 2010) were amazing, I was looking forward to Cinque Terre most of all, and it didn’t let me down! In 2006, I had spent hours upon hours researching and booked a solo, three week backpacking trip to Europe, to include Cinque Terre, and because of life, had to cancel it, so I was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to visit. Especially due to the recent disaster there!

After docking in Livorno, we boarded our pre-paid/reserved train…a little over one hour trip…to La Spezia and then hopped on a short regional train ride that delivered us to the last of the five villages, Monterosso al Mare. I thoroughly researched this excursion, because when you’re on a cruise ship, timing is very important! If you miss your ship, you’re “ship” out of luck!

I took this photograph of Monterosso al Mare while hiking. Everyone that I spoke to on the ship was going to Florence and/or the leaning Tower of Pisa. They didn’t know what they were missing!

This is the beginning of the 1 1/2 hour trail that we hiked from the fifth village to the fourth village, Vernazza. Although I purchased some great Merrill sandals, especially for this trip, I was beginning to get a callous on the edge of my heel. But nothing could dampen the dazzling vistas!

The entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The natural beauty was almost overwhelming!

The trail varied in it’s difficulty and scenery…

You can see the village of Vernazza in the distance.

It’s like a jewel jutting from the cliff…

After having some lunch in town…due to time constraints, we took the train to the first village, Riomaggiore, where we briefly looked around and headed back to the train station in La Spezia.

We had over an hour to kill at the train station, so we went for a walk and my traveling companion overheard a woman talking to a taxi driver about taking her to her ship, which happened to be Royal Caribbean. We spoke to her and within seconds we’re sharing the taxi with her to go back to the ship. Obviously, we weren’t thinking…we were over an hour away from the ship…and the woman said the taxi was only 10 euros…which is about $12 to split.

Within a couple of minutes we realized that she was heading to a different Royal Caribbean ship and I’m asking “Guido” the taxi driver if he is going to charge us anything for taking us back to where we came from. He said he wouldn’t and started making a wierd gesture with his arms and saying in his half Italian and broken English that we were tight!

Then…the lady wanted a receipt for her taxi ride and he wouldn’t give her one…gesturing and almost shouting…so she exited the taxi and on the 5-10 min. ride back to the train station, he is saying “Cacare”, over and over. Upon inquiring as to its meaning, he informed us it meant “F____ you”. He was upset with the lady wanting a receipt…so to break the tension…I requested him to teach us how to say it…so we’re all three in unison saying…”Cacare, Cacare”!

If you’re ever in La Spezia and want an unforgettable taxi ride, try to find “Guido”!

p.s. Later…I discovered from a fellow blogger that “Guido” is actually a slang term to denote someone that is lower or working class of American/Italian descent.

Wonderland=Cinque terre (mesmerizinggirl.wordpress.com)
My Happy Place is the Italian Riviera (briefhiatus.wordpress.com)
Cinque Terre Italy – It doesn’t get any better than this…. (boxmag8.wordpress.com)
In The Shadow Of Cinque Terre, Discovering The Treasures Of La Spezia (gadling.com)
Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre (detailinthefabric.wordpress.com)
Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italy: Backpacking With My Daughter (legionofdoorwhores.wordpress.com)
Travels: Cinque Terre (alanajonesmann.wordpress.com)

“Boeuf” in Cannes

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Travel Spirit

The first port of call on my 12 night Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise was Cannes, France. I found it to be very pleasant and nice…almost too perfect! I’m not complaining…it’s just that I like the “unusual” in my travels. Perhaps not exciting enough…no sense of adventure or mystery. Anyway, after walking for hours…there were only so many shops we could look in…

A little cappuccino break…

We stopped at a restaurant and the waitresses couldn’t speak much English. One of the “specials of the day” was something with boeuf in it. The waitress kept enunciating it…boof…and finally I said, “What animal sound does it make? Moo…Moo?” She agreed that it made the sound, “Moo…Moo!” When I lived in Germany for a few years in my early 20’s, learning to communicate was essential.

Even the flower peddler is smartly dressed…

Some uncut flowers…

French grafitti…they would have to “one up” everyone else!

You haven’t experienced France unless you’ve sampled some cheese…

Look at the size of that Octopus…

The shoes match the sunglasses…dress…baby carriage and baby!!

Our next destination is one of my favorites…Cinque Terre, Italy! (I hope the clean-up efforts are going well!)

From Cannes to Avignon, France – Nice, France (travelpod.com)

All Aboard

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Travel Spirit

Royal Caribbean‘s “Brilliance of the Seas“, set sail from Barcelona in June of 2010 for a 12 night Mediterranean cruise, to include these stunning ports of call — Cannes, France / Livorno, Italy (where most people went to Florence and/or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but we chose to hike through Cinque Terre); Rome, Italy; the Island of Capri off the coast of Italy; Venice (where we docked overnight); Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Corfu, Greece, before returning to Barcelona.

There are pros and cons to cruise travel. Just like every thing in life. But for this type of trip it made sense. I’ve been on three other cruises…all of them to the Caribbean and they seemed to have more of a party atmosphere than this cruise. That suited me because of the long days at each destination and the amount of walking we were doing!

We were upgraded at no additional cost to a room with a window to our pleasant surprise!

There were three formal nights. One of them was a masquerade ball…so I’ll save that for another post!

Fun in the sun!

I awoke at 5:30am to capture the sun rising. I believe we were headed to Corfu, Greece. It almost reminds me of a lunar landscape.

It was white night on the ship…so I bought a dress in Corfu, Greece.

I met a lot of people on the cruise. On the second day of the cruise my camera mal-functioned and I was lamenting my misfortune to a fellow passenger named Dan. I had just met him and was very surprised when he said he had a spare camera and let me borrow it for a few days. That gave me time to purchase one on the ship. The kindness of strangers is wonderful!

This couple, Johan & Heidi, are from South Africa. They were planning to marry in 2011 and I really enjoyed talking with them about their lives/country. They even extended an invitation to visit them…but we’ve lost contact.

Tomorrow we dock in Cannes, France. I’ll see you there!

Bare Buns in Barcelona

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Travel Spirit

The mile long — pedestrian only boulevard in Barcelona — known as Las Ramblas is filled with cafes, shops, and oddities! My traveling companion and I were spending two nights in Barcelona, having explored some of Portugal and Spain already, before embarking upon a 12-night–Royal Caribbean cruise of the Mediterranean.

I’m busy snapping photos and my traveling companion says, “Sherry, there’s a naked guy”! I look up just as he walks by me, with a look on his face that could be described as smug satisfaction.

Luckily, I had my wits and thought to take a photo. Aren’t you lucky! I thought it interesting that everyone is ignoring him.

He could help advertise along with the billboard next to him–2 tapas and paella!!

This is the street minus him!

This guy was levitating…not quite sure how!

We all know how this is done!

There were a number of sidewalk artists and they were talented!

Another trickster…

I guess he wants to be nibbled on!

His grin looks sinister to me!

Give me more, more, more!!

Where in Spain Wednesday – Barcelona’s Las Ramblas (holayessica.com)
Things To Do In Barcelona (theinnatwildwood.com)
Exploring Barcelona: The Beginners Guide (planegrazy.com)
24 hours in Barcelona – A 24 hour travel guide to Barcelona Spain (essentialtravel.co.uk)
DAY 1: La Seu and La Rambla (nadhafhas.wordpress.com)
Barcelona Holidays (ebookers.com)

Frolicking through Barcelona

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Travel Spirit

Barcelona, Spain has a certain energy. A fresh, fun, and exciting spirit! Arriving by train from Madrid (a 3-hr. trip), my traveling companion and I dropped our luggage at the hotel and began walking. First along the waterfront…

Then we found a park with–of course–a fountain and magnificent statutes.

Heading towards the “Gothic” area…we saw “Street Art”…

Fun shops…

That’s me in the window…acting silly!!

Colorful veggies, fruits, bread and candy…a true Farmer’s Market!

No visit to Barcelona would be complete without viewing some of Antoni Gaudi‘s architecture. I love his whimsical style!

The famous Sagrada Familia’s completion is planned for 2026…the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death. He designed it to have 18 towers, 12 for the 12 apostles, 4 for the 4 evangelists, one for Mary and one for Jesus.

In 1926 Gaudí was hit by a tram. Because of his ragged attire and empty pockets, many cab drivers refused to pick him up for fear that he would be unable to pay the fare. He was eventually taken to a paupers’ hospital in Barcelona. Nobody recognized the injured artist until his friends found him the next day. When they tried to move him into a nicer hospital, Gaudí refused, reportedly saying “I belong here among the poor.” He died three days later and was buried in the midst of Sagrada Família.

I know this isn’t a very good photo…but it’s so tall…hard to fit it all in, so I’m only showing a small portion…

Tomorrow we’ll enjoy “bare buns” in Barcelona. Oh, and thanks so much for reading!

Sagrada Familia (slowmuse.com)
Barcelona Vacations (orbitz.com)
Drive from Carcassonne to Barcelona – Barcelona, Spain (travelpod.com)
See, Hear, Enjoy (ibiyinkafamugbode.wordpress.com)
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona (juliegilley.typepad.com)
Catedral de la Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Spain (travelpod.com)

Palace Splendor in Sintra, Portugal

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Travel Spirit

Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal is a wonderful day trip from Lisbon. In less than an hour by train, you can step back in time and feast your eyes upon a splendid castle that dates back to the 8th century! The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the view of the surrounding town from within the fortress walls is…so European!

The Pena Palace was built in the 1840’s and even has a drawbridge. I took this zoom photo of the Palace from the Castle and then we walked to it.

Here is the view as you’re approaching…

Whenever I’m exploring something or somewhere new, I get a rush from the anticipation and literally have to hold myself back from running to it! It’s a photographer’s dream!

The Pena Park surrounds the area (Palace and Castle). We hiked through a small section of it and would have seen more, but it wasn’t clearly marked and we got lost a few times.

Upon arriving back in Lisbon, we boarded our overnight train to Madrid and upon arrival in the morning…immediately boarded a three hour train to Barcelona, Spain!

Daytrip to Sintra (danceflosstravel.wordpress.com)
Cintra: Baby Name of the Day (appellationmountain.net)
Off To Sintra, Portugal (joebeans2002.wordpress.com)
She walks in beauty like the night . . . (wordwenches.typepad.com)

Treasures of Lisbon, Portugal

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Travel Spirit

I absolutely love Lisbon, Portugal! It’s smaller, less crowded and more quaint and the pastel colored homes are darling!

During my visit back in 2010, I spotted a man taking this (half) mannequin into a building…what perfect timing!

I wonder what stories this gentleman could tell us?

One of the reasons I want to travel a lot before I retire is that I can easily walk for miles and find treasures like this tucked away on side streets!

While having lunch at a sidewalk cafe, this young man with an accordion began playing for the guests…so of course I had to dance!

My traveling companion and I met a group of people next to us and as you can see…we hit it off! I forget what we were laughing about…but it makes me laugh again!

I can’t resist taking photographs of animals…

or flowers…

or trees with pretty purple leaves…

and especially young couples in love!

Tomorrow join me in the stunning Sintra, Portugal!

Lisbon – probably the best city in Europe! (theworldinabackpack.wordpress.com)
Set-jetting in Lisbon (brandsandfilms.com)
A Few Days In Lisbon (joebeans2002.wordpress.com)

Look to the Sky in Madrid

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Travel Spirit

One of the many delights of Europe is the architecture and Madrid was no exception! Every where you turn there is a new fountain, statute, or plaza!

I have a split personality…probably because I’m a Gemini. Anyway, I currently live on five acres surrounded by woods, with a 70 foot deck to enjoy it. I love it! But, I would love to have a place in the City. To be in the center of the action and be able to walk to the grocery, etc. For now, I can imagine what it would be like to live in a building like this.

Lovely gardens…

The next destination of my three-week whirlwind European vacation was Lisbon, Portugal. We took the 10:30pm night train and I slept on the top bunk. Although this night train looked much newer than the one I took in Cairo, Egypt, it was much noisier. I didn’t sleep very well! But, who cares about sleep when you’re in Europe.

See you in Lisbon!

Postcard from… Madrid (independent.co.uk)

Enchantment…the Alcazar Castle in Segovia, Spain

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Travel Spirit

The famous Alcazar Castle is located in the enchanted village of Segovia, Spain, which is surrounded by a medieval wall, and the village itself has twisting alleyways and pedestrian streets where cars are banned. Located 22 minutes from Madrid via fast train (which is how we traveled) or just over an hour by regular train, makes it a perfect day trip to include in your itinerary while in Spain!

Originally, I thought the Alcazar Castle was the source of inspiration for Walt Disney when creating Sleeping Beauty’s castle in Disney world. Actually it was the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. But, this castle was where Columbus secured the financial backing necessary, from Queen Isabel, to discover America.