malta

today we are in Malta. haven't gone ashore as yet. our excursion, a taste for Malta, doesn't begin for another 1 1/2 hours. we were at sea all day yesterday. a most welcome relief. the sky and sea are so blue, it's almost magical.

Sat we were at Rhodes. it was OK. I was a bit nervous about climbing down the 300 steps from the Acropolis there so Debbie and I walked the city of Lindos. very nice and saw an interesting pic of a breakfast item. (Jennie will get a kick out of this pic).

then Sunday to Santorini. didn't have a scheduled excursion and John Baird, Katie & John Schumacher (Louise was a bit under the weather, too much rich food I suspect)went and walked on our own. what a town and even more spectacular was the view, incredible! 3 ways up the 1,100 feet almost straight up to the city; walk, John Baird; tram, nobody and donkey. yes the rest of us were on our respective asses. the ship's brochure described the donkeys as nasty, smelly beasts; but on we went, a few more pics are included.

we had lunch, 2 bottles of wine. Katie and Baird had beer. the view was breathtaking and pics and words fail to describe it properly. a trip back definitely in order. only Debbie took the tram down as the rest walked. there was no way in hell we were going to take those donkeys down!

tomorrow is Mt Aetna and Thurs, Capri. Friday we then go on to Venice while Mother and Daddy fly home.

so far a fabulous trip with more to come

egypt

Alexandria and Cairo were amazing. weather was great but knowing that in July and Aug when it's easily well into the 100's would have been unbearable. lots of history that's really, really old. and I'm talking 2500-2000 b.c. Now that's old!

Alex is without doubt the filthiest place I've ever seen. and squalor, unbelievable. traffic was horrendous as took quite a long while to get out of town. the countryside (about 3.5 hours to Cairo) was equally as amazing.

Cairo, about 17-18mm people, was incredible. particularly after we got to the hotel, the Four Seasons (Debbie said that she was never leaving.) rooms looked out over the Nile. Food was fantastic; and you will not be a bit surprised that the drink has been delicious. had to try the water pipe (Walt will appreciate). had the apple flavor, which was surprisingly mild (a pic should be attached) John Schumacher had the peach which he said was terrible!

we went to the pyramids and Sphinx. also very old. have included a few pics. and yes, we did ride a camel. a pic is also included. now we all look all smiles but let me tell you that was not always the case.!. will have to describe that more in detail later.

have also attached pic of the Sphinx.

this has been an incredible experience and we have all thoroughly enjoyed it and each other's company.

tried to post yesterday but couldn't upload pics. probably more tomorrow as all day at sea. interestingly enough have not even opened kindle.

cruise

has been great so far. the flights were easy and able to sleep quite a bit on plane. weather has been fabulous and seeing things never thought would have had opportunity to see. had pocket picked outside of the Acropolis. guide had been a soldier who had some police training. he said they would only take cash as the credit cards were too hard to use. they would then leave the wallets around holes in the walls. we filed a police report and before we knew it, wallet with cards were found. gladly gave up the cash for the other things. elieve me, jack had never tasted so good that eve.

Mother and Daddy's suite is amazing. at least as big as our video room. i hope I've attached a pic which really doesn't do it justice. needless to say, we can all comfortably sit and enjoy a beverage or a bunch of beverages and nibbilies brought by John, the butler.

I also have tried to attach a copy of all of us at the top of the acropolis.

tomorrow off to alexandria and then cairo. hope to post more after that trip.

have to sign off now as time to get dressed for cocktails. man this is rough!