Day 1: Venice
First Venice with my mom! We figured the kids might not appreciate the beautiful city to walk through it for two days, so Mom and I headed out in the morning, while Jason and the kids flew into Venice that night. I can say, it sure is nice having Jason as a travel companion. I usually just follow him around and he figures things out like public transportation, currency exchanges, and other logistics. But this time, I was the senior companion, if you will (**that's a funny twist). So landing and working out transportation, calling the hotel, attempting a tiny bit of Italian, like "Buon Giorno!" and "Grazi!" (I know, I shouldn't brag!) Anyway, we eventually worked it all out, grabbed a map and made our way into the beautiful city of
La Venecia!
La Venecia!
Venice Day 2: With the Family!
How was our day different with the family?
One word: Gelato!
We energized our tired children's legs by promising gelato whenever they saw it! I'm unsure how many cones we consumed this day, but it was really sooooo good!!! We walked about, did some shopping, and took in the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum all intermixed between gelateria stops.
Split, Croatia
This was a short port stop for us, and a stop where we didn't have plans. It was Sunday, so we tried to refrain from hitting up a beach or shopping too much. We headed into the old town to check out the old Cathedral (apparently it's supposed to be one of the oldest in the world? Well, the bits that are left) There's a picture of my kids spread out standing on the remains of the foundation. It was interesting. The older kids climbed a tall rickety metal bell tower staircase to get some beautiful areal shots of the town. We had a pleasant day taking in the sights. Impression? Everything's so old! But I think that's what I say about everything I see here in Europe!
Our Kusadasi, Turkey Adventure
Kusadasi was beautiful! This was everyone's favorite day! Not sure about my mom though? She sure was a great sport! We had booked an Off-Roading Jeep Safari! We were picked up in this old beat up Range Rover, and were off! Here's the online description: "Just half-hour outside Kusadasi and you will find yourself in pine scented forests, unspoiled villages, and remote coves. All ages will enjoy the beautiful scenery as you travel in 4x4 Jeeps which give you the best panoramic views. The route consists of 60 km on-road and 40 km off-road drive through the Samson National Park, divided by regular stops at Zeus Cave, the Echo Valley, the Monastery and Waterfalls. Enjoy the great scenery of the Aegean Islands, while having your lunch at 1000 metre peak. Wash off the dust at the swimming break on the Long Beach."
Well they sure weren't lying about the dust. We were coated! In fact our Turkish driver with dark black hair looked like he had gray hair by the time were done. This was such a great day though. Our family just doesn't often appreciate the sights of all these old cities in Europe, but the countryside: bring it on! This was such a fun, and full day! Unforgettable!
Well they sure weren't lying about the dust. We were coated! In fact our Turkish driver with dark black hair looked like he had gray hair by the time were done. This was such a great day though. Our family just doesn't often appreciate the sights of all these old cities in Europe, but the countryside: bring it on! This was such a fun, and full day! Unforgettable!
Mykonos, Greece
We weren't very well prepared for our stop to Mykonos, but after a few hiccups, we got on our way and had a great day. After wondering and getting lost in the tiny streets of the city, we split up! Jason took Janae, Emily, and Dallin to a beach while the rest of us stayed behind to explore the city and shop.
The weather turned a bit chilly and rainy just towards the end of our day, but we all made it back on the ship without a hitch.
Our family went to Crete last spring and LOVED it, but this was iconically Greece: complete with the beautifully white kept buildings, bright blue accents, the little streets were just amazing. It was a treat to get to take in the sights of Mykonos.
The weather turned a bit chilly and rainy just towards the end of our day, but we all made it back on the ship without a hitch.
Our family went to Crete last spring and LOVED it, but this was iconically Greece: complete with the beautifully white kept buildings, bright blue accents, the little streets were just amazing. It was a treat to get to take in the sights of Mykonos.
On the Ship!
All in all it was a great trip! A bit of an experiment as well. The jury might still be out on what our family thinks of cruising. I think the teenagers liked the independence! I think they liked being on vacation with the family but enjoyed time away from us. So you see, I'm not sure then how that makes me feel? So was it successful? Yeah! I think it was. AJ mentioned that this was his #2 vacation just under Disney World. Janae says #2 just under Crete, and Emily says #2 under Destin!
So, there you have it. And BTW: I'm pretty sure Jason LOVED it.
So, there you have it. And BTW: I'm pretty sure Jason LOVED it.