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You can lose everything, but nobody will take away what you saw and what you experienced...
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May 13, 2025 12:00 AM Famous Zakinthos
My last island on this cruise - Zakinthos in Greece. It is known for the imposing cliffs, grottos and famous shipwreck beach printed on posters and postcards. When I saw it for the first time this morning I recognized that it is different - hilly, green and cozy...
When we disembarked by tenders (little port cannot accommodate such a big ship) I wanted to go and see Shipwreck Beach. The viewpoint overlooking the beach is closed for safety reason, so the only way was by small ship. The single ship company has monopoly, so the tickets for 3-hours round trip ride without landing is hefty: 50 euro, no discounts. I decided to go anyway. The day was sunny, the water so blue! It was little choppy trip till the northern cape with some grottos visible onthe way. Then we turned left and sail along wonderful cliffs. The shipwreck lies in the small bay accessible only from the sea. Great view, great color of the water. We started with the 40 min delay and returned also with the delay - that's how the Greeks work... Talke it easy!
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May 11, 2025 12:00 AM Sun over Istanbul!
What a joy! After yesterday's rain, wind and cold today we have lovely sun. Already at 9.30 am I was walking on the pier and took the coastal walk to the bridge on Golden Horn. Then I went to all the famous places I know since years. Let you know that Aya Sophia is under restauration: they are replacing one minaret. But you can visit interior if you are ready to stay in the long line and to buy the ticket. Blue Mosque has the courtyard open for free to visitors. Nearby there is new hotel/rest Seven Hills. It has a terrace on the roof - great place to take pictures (for free).
I went to the colorful bazaars and climbed to the huge Suleymaniye Mosque. Here they allow for free to visit the interior. But the highlight is the view of the Bosporus and city from the garden terrace. free! Fantastic day. I walked a lot and deserved a bottle of red wine! :)
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May 10, 2025 12:00 AM Istanbul on the horizon!
... but under the heavy clouds! We pessed through the Dardanelle Straits before sunrise and after Sailing Marmara Sea approached Istanbul at 2 pm. The views from the ship were great, but in the light rain and cold wind. I have been to this exotic city several times arriving by train, bus and plane but sea arrival gives quiet new perspective of the mosques, Golden Horn and Galata. The cruise terminal is located on Galata side just steps from the monuments. You know what they invented? It is fully underground, big and elegant terminal. And they offer free wifi here (but very few seats to sit and write the e-mails) Maps are offered too! We will be docking here till 6 pm tomorrow. I pray for the sunny weather!
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May 09, 2025 12:00 AM Izmir - ancient Smyrna
In the morning we were sailing more than two hours in the huge and long estuary. On the banks there were more and more big buildings. Rather sad landscape! At 9 am we docked in liman (port) of Izmir. Fortunately it is located at the edge of industrial zone. It is still 4 kms walk from the pier to the old town. No wifi in the little cruise rerminal. But there is info point offering maps. I was walking first to the Kultur Park with fountain and flowers. Than I found St John catholic cathedral - walled and fenced. They open only from 3 pm till 5 pm! Then I was heading to the remains of ancient agora of Smyrna. They charge 6 euro, but only payment in local currency is accepted. Not a big area, but interesting.
Opposite agora you can jump into labyrinth of bazaar streets and shops. I was here 52 years ago. Many shops sells now plastic goods - in the past there were more oriental atmosphere! At 12 am when they are calling for pray I was in the most important Hissar Mosque. It works! If you are alone and discret you can even take few pictures...
Kanak Square is the window of the city. There is old ferry pier restored. From there it is nice 4 kms walk on the promenade to the ship. Nice, but hazy day!
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May 08, 2025 12:00 AM Nauplia 52 years later...
Finally we have warm weather and the sun. I am in the little port of Nauplia in Greece. Years ago I have been here by public bus. View from the sea is even nicer!
It is still lovely place - they took us ashore by tenders. Narrow streets, Greek music. Old fortress to climb. It is 190 m above sea level (1000 stairs- they say) and they charge 20 euro entry fee at the main gate up there. The view from the stone stairs are practically the same like from the walls. So if you are on the budget - do not pay! Seniors from EU countries have 50 pwrcent discount. Views are worth the effort! What a lovely day! Tomorrow we will be sailing to Izmir in Turkey.
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May 06, 2025 12:00 AM New lovely port - Siracusa!
In the morning we passed through Messina Straits with nice weather and great views of Sicily. Later the mist covered the sea and in such a weather we entered Siracusa. I have been several times on Sicily but never in historic Siracusa. I was excited! New port!
The port here is so small that it can accomodate only one ship. We docked opposite the Old City which is located on the little island connected with Sicily mainland with few bridges.
I experienced little rain walking to the bridge. After cossing the bridge i found myself in the labyrinth of the narrow streets, little plazas and old churches. They charge 2 euro for the entry to the cathedral and 6 euro (no senior discounts) for the entry to the fort. I took a walk around the island an then started heading to the intriguing church in the new quarter. It reminds Christmas tree. Made of concrete very high is easily visible from the sea. This is Sanctuary of St Mary Crying. Worth to see. From this chuch I walked to the Archeological Park (entry 17 euro but Greek theatre is covered now for restauration and Archimede tomb is closed. Using GPS I recognized that the tomb should be visible through the fence from the street. And it is!
Tomorrow we have day at sea, sailing east -to Greece. So next news will come probably the day after. Sorry...
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May 05, 2025 12:00 AM Civitavecchia - the port of Rome
Windy and cloudy morning. Should I took a train to take the ealk in Rome? I have been there with my family only 3 weeks ago! I took the free shuttle bus from the pier to the city pf Civita... To connect to the internet and to check the updated weather forecast. It is raining on Rome! The weather is risky and at 4 pm I must be back on the ship! I decided to stay in Civita... This old port town with city walls and nice cathedral of St Francis. I was happy to see in front of the cathedral the statue of Polish pope - John Paul II. He is still very popular in Italy... Poles are very proud of him...
Not far from the cathedral there is city market and the main street street converted to pedestrian zone. At the entrance to the port there is well- preserved Michelangelo Fortress walking along the coast you will enjoy nice park of Pirgo. There is enough to do until departure. Tomorrow on Sicily I expect the sun! :)
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May 04, 2025 12:00 AM Transiting in Savona
Cloudy day. I have been in Savonaany times, but always boatding or disembarking the ship. Today I am in transit - I have more time for wondering the streets of this old city... It is Sunday and many people went for shopping.ain streets are full of walkers...
Apart from our ship there is much bigger "Costa Toscana" docking in the port and also embarking/disembarking passengers.
What a shame on Savona city! They opened tourist info office in the port, but do not offer wi-fi! They sent me to nearby cafe to buy something and ask fo wifi password...
It was nice to walk the narrow streets of Savona's old city. I visited interesting cathedral with organ over the main altar. Nearby is local Sistina Chapel with nice paintings, but they charge 3 euro for the entrance. It is raining from time to time. I pray for the good weather for tomorrow - we will be in Civitavecchia/Rome...
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May 03, 2025 12:00 AM Toulon - port away from the city!
Heavy clouds were hanging over Toulon when we approached the bay in the morning. I was already here, having the better weather... But when it cleared up a little bit I decided to go to the shore anyway. The cruise port on Toulon is actually not in Toulon, but in Seyne sur Mer - on the other side pf the bay. From the cruise pier there is water shuttle to the city for 19 euro round trip!! Fortunately the locals offer water tram Mistral who for just 2 euro will take you to the city jetty. But you must walk 20 min to find the jetty which is hidden behind the ruins of the shipyard. OK. We passed French battleships and landed on the coastal promenade. It was nice to refresh the memories walking to the maritime base to take the picture of the former arsenal - now it is the maritime museum (the entry fee is 8 euro, but passengers from the cruise ships pay only 6),
Then sun appeared and I took the walk to St Mary's cathedral - hige church worth a visit. Tomorrow we will pick passengers in Italy...
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May 02, 2025 12:00 AM Rainy start in Barcelona
I woke up before the sunrise. In the Gdansk airport there were a lot of passengers, but I managed to report at the gate on time... Last days there was a rumour about strict baggage control by Ryanair. Bit I am lucky boy - nobody wanted to check the dimensions of my baggage. Soon I boarded the plane and we spent 3 hours on our direct flight to Barcelona.
The city was dark today under the heavy clouds. It was not raining yet when I was boarding bus 46 to Plaza Espanya. When we reached destination it was already raining... Brrrr... I was not on a hurry, I decided to wait for the weather improvement, shopping in the supermarket (do you know what it was necessary to buy? :). At 11.30 am I started a walk to WTC bus stop in the light rain. From WTC there is a special blue bus heading to the port terminals. It costs 3 euro and I usually do not use it, but today - in the rain... At 12 I was already in the terminal B, where my ship was docking. Long line of the people was waiting for checking. No priiviledges! -all passengers on this special cruise are GOLD or PLATINIUM! We will ne departing in the rain in the evening. Sorry Barcelona. But I will publish sunny picture...
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